'■"Ifj 




I [SMITHSONIAN DEPOSIT.] f 

^UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. | 



A 



MANUAL FOR SPOISOES. 



EEV. ALBERT D.'TKATER, A. M., 

ESCTOB OV ST. PAUL'S CHUECH, POt'GHKEEPSIH. 



7 



0^ ' 



GEX. PROTESTAXT EPISCOPAL SODAY SCHOOL UNION, 

DASmL DANA, JB., AGENT, 

DEPOSITORY No. 20 JOHN STREET. 
.1853. 




Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1853, by 
JOHN W. ^nXCHELL, 
(as Treasurer of the General Protestant Episcopal Sunday School Union,) 
In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the Unit«d States for the Southern District of 
New York. 



3ilrakr3 nf tjiE ^rntrstnDt (^fiisrnpal (Dljiirtjj, 



THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 



THE PEESEXT MANUAL 



IS (WITHOrT FUETHER PEEFACE) DEDICATED, 



THE AUTHOR. 



Direct its, Loeb, in al] our doings, with Thy most gracious favour, 
and further us with Thy continual help; that, in all our works begun, 
continued and ended in Thee, we may glorify Thy Holy Name; and 
finally, by Thy mercy, obtain everlasting life, through Jesfs Cheist 
our LoED. Amen. 

4 

Eegard, Loed, the supplications of Thy servants, and grant that 
whosoever shall be dedicated to Thee by Baptism, may be sanctified 
by the Holy Ghost, delivered from wi-ath and eternal death, and re- 
ceived as a Hving member of Cheist's Church, and may ever remain in 
the number of Thy faithful childi-en. 

Grant, Loed, that they who shall in their own persons renew 
the promises and vows which they made, or which were made for them 
by their Sureties at their Baptism, and thereupon shall be confirmed by 
the Bishop, may receive such a measure of Thy Holy Spieit that they 
may be enabled faithfuUy to fulfil the same, and grow in grace unto 
their lives' end. 



CONTENTS. 



PAGE 

THE MINISTRATION OF PUBLIC BAPTISM OF INFANTS, . . 1 

THE MINISTRATION OF PRIVATE BAPTISM OF CHILDREN, . 14 

THE MINISTRATION OF BAPTISM TO SUCH AS ARE OF RIPER 

TEARS, 19 

catechism, 27 

the order of confirmation, ... . . 33 

introduction, 37 

jewish baptism, .41 

John's baptism, ........ 47 

christian baptism, 49 

its necessity, . . . ... . . 66 

infant baptism, lawful, . . . . . .51 

infant baptism, ntlcessary, 55 

baptismal office, remarks upon, 56 

concluding remarks, in connection with them, . . 61 
necessity of christian instruction, . . , . 66 

1* 



CONTENTS. 



PACT. 

68 



SPOXSORIAL OFFICE, ITS HISTOST, 

SPOXSORIAL DUTIES TOWARDS INFAXTS, ... tjQ 

DUTIES OF GODFATHERS AXD MOTHERS TOWARDS ADULTS, . 94 
QUALIFICATIONS OF SPONSORS, .... 
QUALIFICATIONS OF WITNESSES, 

MOTIVES TO UNDERTAKING SPONSORIAL DUTIES, . . .111 
OBJECTIONS TO BECOMING SPONSORS, ANSWERED, . . 
CONCLUSION, ^28 



96 
100 



THE MmiSTEATION 



TO BE USED IX THE CHTJECH. 



^ The people are to be admonished, that it is most conyenient that Bap- 
tism should not be administered bnt upon Sundays and other Holy- 
days, or Prayer days. Nevertheless (if necessity so require) Baptism 
may be administered upon any other day. 

% There shall be for every Male child to be baptized, when they can be 
had. two Godfathers and one G-odmother; and for every Female, one 
G-odfather and two Godmothers; and Parents shall be admitted as 
Sponsors, if it be desired. 

% When there are children to be baptized, the parents or sponsors shall 
give knowledge thereof, before the beginning of Morning Prayer, to the 
Minister. And then the Godfathers and Godmothers, and the people 
with the children, must be ready at the Pont, either immediately after 
the last Lesson at Morning Prayer, or else immediately after the last 
Lesson at Evening Prayer, as "^the Minister, by his discretion, shall 
appoint. And the Minister coming to the Font (which is then to be 
filled with pure water) and standing there, shall say. 

Hath this child been already baptized, or no ? 
■[ If they answer, J^o; then shall the Minister proceed, as followeth. 
Dearly beloved, forasmuch as all men are conceived and 
born in sin ; and our Saviour Christ saith, i^one can enter mto 
the kingdom of God, except he be regenerate and born anew 
of water and of the Holy Ghost ; I beseech you to call upon 
God the Father, through our Lord Jesus Christ, that of his 
bounteous mercy, he will gi'ant to this child that which by 
natm-e he cannot have ; that he may be baptized with water and 
the Holy Ghost, and received into Christ's holy Church, and 
be made a living member of the same. 

1 Then shall the Minister say, 
Let us pray. 

Al3jighty and everlasting God, who of thy great mercy, didst 
save Noah and liis family in the ark from perishing by water ; 



8 



PUBLIC BAPTISM OF IXFAXTS. 



and also didst safely lead the children of Israel thy people 
thi-ough the Red Sea, figuring thereby thy holy Baptism ; and 
by the baptism of thy well-beloved Son Jesus Christ in the 
river Jordan, didst sanctify water, to the mystical wasliing 
away of sin ; we beseech tliee, for thine infinite mercies, that 
thou wilt mercifully look upon th?s child; wash him, and sanc- 
tify him with the Holy G-host ; that he, being delivered from 
thy wi-ath, may be received into the ark of Christ s Chm'ch ; 
and beiug steadfast in faith, joyful through hope, and rooted in 
charity, may so pass the waves of this troublesome world, that 
finally he may come to the land of everlasting life ; there to 
reign with thee, world without end, through Jesus Christ our 
Lord. Ame/i. 

Or this. 

Almighty and immortal God, the aid of all who need, the 
helper of all who flee to thee for succoiu-, the life of those who 
believe, and the resun-ection of the dead ; we call upon thee for 
this infant, that he, coming to thy holy baptism, may receive 
remission of sin, by spiritual regenej-ation. Receive him, 
Lord, as thou hatt promised bv thv well-beloved Son, savino* 
Ask, and ye shaU have ; seek, and ye shaU find ; knock, and it 
shall be opened unto you : So give now unto us who ask ; let 
us who seek, find ; open the gate unto us who knock ; that this 
infant may enjoy the everlasting benediction of thy heavenly 
washing, and may come to the eternal kingdom which thou hast 
promised by Christ om Lord. Amen. 

Then the Minister shall say as follows : or else shaU pass on to the 
qnestlons addressed to the Sponsors; and from thence to the Prayer 
immediately before the immersion, or the pouring of vrater on the 
infant. But note : that, in every chnrch. the interniediate parrs of the 
Service shall he used, once at least in every month (if there he a bap- 
tism^ for the better instructing of the people in the grounds of Infant 
Baptism. 

Hear the words of the Cospel, written by St. Mark, in the 
tenth chapter, at the thu-teenth verse. 

They brought young children to Christ that he should touch 



PUBLIC BAPTISM OF IXFAXTS. 



9 



them ; and his disciples rebuked those who brought them. But 
when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, 
Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not ; for 
of such is the kingdom of G-od. Verily I say unto you, "^Tioso- 
eyer shall not receive the kingdom of God as a httle child, he 
shall not enter therein. And he took them up in his arms, put his 
hands upon them, and blessed them. 

^ After the Gospel is read, the Minister shall make this brief Exhorta- 
tion upon the words of the Gospel : 

Beloved, ye hear in this G-ospel the words of our Saviom' 
Christ, that he commanded the children to be brought unto him ; 
how he blamed those who would have kept them from hun ; how 
he exhorteth all men to follow their innocency. Ye perceive 
how, by his outward gestm-e and deed, he declared his good will 
toward them : for he embraced them in his arms, he laid his 
hands upon them, and blessed them. Doubt ye not therefore, 
but earnestly beheve, that he will likewise favourably receive this 
present infant ; that he will embrace Ar/?iwith the arms of his 
mercy; and that he will give unto him the blessings of eternal 
life, and make him partciker of his everlasting kingdom. Where- 
fore, we being thus persuaded of the good will of oui- heavenly 
Father toward this infant, declared by his Son Jesus Christ ; 
and nothing doubting, but that he favom'ably alloweth this chari- 
table work of ours, in bringing this to this holy baptism; 
let us faithfully and devoutly give thanks unto him, and say, 

ALmGHiT and everlasting God, heavenly Father, we give thee 
humble thanks, that thou hast vouchsafed to call us to the knowl- 
edge of thy grace, and faith in thee : increase this knowledge, and 
confirm this faith in us eveiTQore. Give thy Holy Spirit to this 
infant ; that he may be born again, and be made an heir of 
everlasting salvation, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who hveth 
and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, now and for even 
Amen. 



10 PUBLIC BAPTISM OF INFANTS. 

^ Then shall the Minister speak nnto the Godfathers and Godmothers on 
this wise : 

^ Dearly beloved, ye have brought this child here to be bap- 
tized; ye have prayed that our Lord Jesus Christ would 
vouchsafe to receive him, to release hrm from sin, to sanctify 
him with the Holt Ghost, to give him the kingdom of heaven 
and everlasting life. Ye have heard also that our Lord Jesus 
Christ hath promised, in his Gospel, to grant all these things 
that ye have prayed for ; which promise, he for his part wHl 
most surely keep and perform. Wherefore, after this promise 
made by Christ, this infant must also faithfuUy, for his part, 
promise by you that ai^e his sm-eties (until he come of age to 
take it upon himself) that he will renounce the devil and aU his 
work*, and constantly beheve God's holy word, and obediently 
keep his commandments. 

^tTons^^i?i'j!.'.f^^i^ ^^''^ ^T/^^ ^! ^Vomor, as follows; the qnes- 
tot. mTdl accoidS^y" '"^'"''^ — .s 

I demand therefore. 

Dost thou, in the name of this child, renounce the devil and 
aU his works, the vain pomp and glory of the world, with aU 
covetous desii-es of the same, and the sinful desii'es of the flesh ; 
so that thou wilt not follow, nor be led by them ? 

Answer. I renounce them aU ; and, by God's help, wiU endea- 
vom- not to follow, nor be led by them. 

Minister. Dost thou beheve all the articles of the Christian 
feith, as contained in the Apostles' Creed ? 

Ansiuer. I do. 

Minister. Wilt thou be baptized in this faith ? 
Answer. That is my desfre. 

Minister. Wilt thou then obediently keep God's holy will and 
commandments, and walk in the same aU the days of thy life ? 
Ansioer. I will, by God's help. 

^ Then shaU the Minister say, 



PUBLIC BAPTISM OF INFANTS. 



11 



MERCIFUL God, grant that the old Adam in this child may- 
be so bulled, that the new man may be raised up in him. Amen, 

Grant that all sinful affections may die in him^ and that all 
things belonging to the Spuit may live and grow in him, 
Ame7i. 

Grant that he may have power and strength to have victory, 
and to ti'iumph against the devil, the world, and the flesh, 
Ameyi. 

Grant that whosoever is here dedicated to thee by our office 
and ministry, may also be endued with heavenly vu'tues, and 
everlastingly rewarded, through thy mercy, blessed Lord 
God, who dost live and govern all things, world without end. 
Amen. 

ALiHGHTY, everliving God, whose most dearly beloved Son 
Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of om* sins, did shed out of his 
most precious side both water and blood ; and gave command- 
ment to his disciples, that they should go teach all nations, and 
baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Sox, and of 
the Holy Ghost ; regard, we beseech thee, the supphcations of 
thy congregation ; sanctify this water to the mystical washing 
away of sin ; and grant that this child, now to be baptized 
therein, may receive the fuhaess of thy grace, and ever remain 
in the number of thy faithful childi-eii ; through Jesus Christ 
GUI' Lord. Amen. 

% Then the Minister shall take the child into his hands, and shall say to 
the Godfathers and Godmothers, 

^ame this child. 

^ And then, naming it after them, he shall dip it in the water discreetly 
or shall pour water npon it, saying, ' 

Ts". I baptize thee in the name of the Father, and of the 
Son, and of the Holt Ghost. Amen. 

*[ Then the Minister shall say, 
"^E receive this child into the congregation of Christ's Flock, 



12 



PUBLIC BAPTISM OF INFAls^TS. 



and do * sign him Tvitli the sim of ^ ^ z „ . 

. o '-'•^ * Here the Minister shall make a 

tlie cross ; m token that hereafter he ''^"^ child's forehead. 
shall not be ashamed to confess the faith of Christ crucified, 
and manfully to fight under his banner, against sin, the world, 
and the devil ; and to continue Christ's faithful soldier and 
servant unto his fife's end. Amen. 

^ '^Lfff!f^ '""^^ ^'T^?"^ ^if ^""^^^^ '^^^^ ^^-""'^ ^i^^ of ci'oss to be 
omitted, although the Chm-ch knows no worthy cause of scruple con- 
cerning the same. yet. in that case, the Minister may omit that part of 
the infant. ' immersion, or the pouring of water on 

^ Then shall the Minister saj, 
Seeing now, deaiij beloved brethi-en, that this child is regen- 
erate, and grafted into the body of Christ's Chui'ch ; let us 
give thanks unto Al^hghty God for these benefits, and with one 
accord make our prayers unto him, that this child may lead the 
rest of his fife according to this beginning. 

^ Then shall be said, all kneeling, 
Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy IS^ame ; Thy 
kingdom come ; Thy wiU be done on earth, as it is in helven ; 
Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses,' 
as we forgive those who trespass against us ; And lead us not 
into temptation ; But defiver us from evil. Amen. 

^ Then shall the Minister say, 
We yield thee hearty thanks, most merciful Father, that it 
hath pleased thee to regenerate this iirfajit with thy holy Spuit, 
to receive him for thine own child by adoption, and to incor- 
porate him into thy holy Church. And humbly we beseech 
thee to grant, that he, being dead unto sin, and fiving unto 
righteousness, and being buried with Christ in his death, may 
crucify the old man, and utterly abolish the whole body of sin; 
and that as he is made imrtaher of the deatli of thy Son, he 
may also be partaker of his resmTection ; so that finally, with 
the residue of % holy Church, he may be an inheritor of thine 
everlasting kingdom ; thi'ough Christ om^ Lord. Amen. 



PUBLIC BAPTISM OF l:>*FAXTS. 



13 



^ Then, all standing up. the Minister shall sar to the Godfathers and 
Godmothers this Exhoitation folloTring: 

Forasmuch as this child hath promised bv you IlIs sureties, 
to renounce the devil and all his ^orks, to believe in God, and 
to serve him ; ye must remember, that it is youi' parts and duties 
to see that this infant be taught, so soon as he shall be able to 
leam, what a solemn vow, promise, and profession, he hath here 
made by you. And that he may know these things the better, 
ye shall call upon to hear sermons; and chieflv ve shall 
provide, that he may leam the Creed, the Lord's Prayer, and 
the Ten Commandments, and all other things which a Christian 
ought to know and beheve to his souls health; and that this 
child may be virtuously brought up to lead a godlv and a 
Christian life : remembermg always, that Baptism doth repre- 
sent unto us our profession; which is, to follow the example of 
our Saviom- Chuist, and to be made like unto him ; that as he 
died, and rose again for us, so should we, who are baptized, die 
fi'om sin, and rise again unto righteousness ; continually mortify- 
ing aU our evil and comipt affections, and daily proceeding in 
all vuiue and godliness of hving. 

^ Then shall he add, and say, 
Ye are to take cai-e that this child be brought to the Bishop 
to be confirmed by him, so soon as he can say the Creed, the 
Lord's Prayer, and the Ten Commandments, and is sufficiently 
instructed in the other pai'ts of the Church Catechism set forth 
for that purpose. 

2 



THE MmiSTEATIO^? 

OF 

IribBte ga^tism of C|itoit, 

IN HOUSES. 



' :^3:^ ""-r^ ^i^-' t'lat. -n-ithout Jike <Teat cau^p snrt 

" ei - ho:;;e''Xt"';?;'' tt't «WIdren to be ba'ptized afhoLe to 



is^. I BAPTIZE thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, 
and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. 

*TThen the Minister shaU give thanks unto God, and say, 

We yield thee hearty thanks, most merciful Father, that it 
hath pleased thee to regenerate this infant with thj holy Spirit 
to receive liim for thine own cluld by adoption, and to incorpo-' 
rate hhn into thj holy Church. And humbly we beseech thee 
to gi-ant, that he, being dead unto sin, and living unto righteous- 
ness, and being bimed with Christ in his death, may crucify the 
old man, and utterly abohsh the whole body of sin ; and that as 
tie is made partaker of the death of thy Son, he may also be 
partaker of his resuiTection ; so that finaUy, with the residue of 
thy holj Church, he may be an inheritor of thine everlastino- 
kingdom, through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

?kS?= Pv-fJ'^' baptized again. Yet never- 

theless, If the child which is after this sort baptized do afterward live ; 



PRIVATE BAPTISM OF CHILDREN. 



15 



it is expedient that it be brought into the church, to the intent that if 
the Minister of the same Parish did himself baptize that child, the 
Congregation may be certified of the true form of Baptism, by him 
privately before used : in which case he shall say thus : 

I CERTIFY you, that according to the due and prescribed 
Order of the Chui'ch, at such a time and at such a place, before 
divers witnesses, I baptized this child. 

^ But if the child were baptized by any other lawful Minister, then the 
Minister of the Parish where the child was born or christened, shall 
examine whether the same hath been lawfully done. And if the Min- 
ister shall find, by the answers of such as bring the child, that all things 
were done as they ought to be ; then shall not he christen the child 
again, but shall receive him as one of the fiock of true Ciiristian People, 
saying thus: 

I CERTIFY you, that in this case all is well done, and accord- 
ing unto due order, concerning the baptizing of this child; who 
is now by baptism incoi'porated into the Christian Church : For 
oui' Lord Jesus Christ doth not deny his grace and mercy unto 
such infants ; but most lovingly doth call them unto him, as the 
holy Gospel doth witness to om* comfort on this wise. 

Then the Minister shall say as follows : or else shall pass on to the 
Qaestions addressed to the Sponsors. 

Hear the words of the Gospel, written by St. Mark, in the 
tenth chapter, at the thirteenth verse. 

They brought young childi'en to Christ, that he should touch 
them ; and his disciples rebuked those wlio brought them. But 
when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, 
Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not : 
for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you. 
Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a httle 
child, he shall not enter therein. And he took them up in his 
arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them. 

^ After the Gospel is read, the Minister shall make this brief Exhortation 
upon the words of the G-ospel : 

Beloved, ye hear in this Gospel the words of om* Saviom* 
Christ, that he commanded the childi'en to be brought unto 
bun; how he blamed those that would have kept them fi-om 



16 PRIVATE BAPTISM OF CHILDREN. 

bim ; how he exhorteth all men to follow their innocency. Ye 
perceive how, by his outward gesture and deed, he declared his 
good will toward them : for he embraced them in his arms, he 
laid his hands upon them, and blessed them. Doubt ye not 
therefore, but earnestly beheve, that he hath likewise favourably 
received this present infant; that he hath embraced him with 
the arms of his mercy ; and, as he hath promised in his holy 
word, wiU give unto Mm the blessing of eternal hfe, and make 
him partaker of his everlasting kingdom. Wherefore, we being 
thus persuaded of the good wiU of our heavenly Father, declai'ed 
by his Son Jesus Christ, toward this infant, let us faithfuUy 
and devoutly give thanks unto him, and say the prayer which 
the Loud himself taught us. 

Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy INTame- Thy 
kingdom come ; Thy ^vill be done on earth, as it is in heaven- 
Give us this day our daily bread ; And forgive us our trespasses,' 
as we forgive those who trespass against us ; And lead us not 
into temptation ; But dehver us from evil. Amen. 

^hvth/r''I!i^^'^'°''^fn^T^^ ^^^^ «f ^lie child; which beino. 
Klows : '''' Godmothers pronounced, the Minister shall sa| 

DosT thou, in the name of this child, renounce the devil and 
all his works, the vain pomp and glory of the world, witli all 
covetous desires of the same, and the sinful desii'es of the flesh ; 
so that thou wilt not follow, nor be led by them ? 

A7iswer. I renounce them all ; and, by God's help, wiH en- 
deavour not to follow, nor be led by them. 

Minister. Dost thou believe aU the articles of the Chnstian 
faith, as contained in the Apostles' Greed ? 

A7Uioer. I do. 

2Ii7iister. Wilt thou then obediently keep God's holy will and 
commandments, and walk in the same all the days of thy life ? 
Ansiuer. I will, by God s help. 



PRIVATE BAPTISM OF CHILDREST. 



17 



•[ Then the Minister shall say, 
We receive this child into the Congi-egation of Christ's Flock^ 
and do * sign him with the sign of the cross ; * Here the Minister 
in token that hereafter he shall not be ashamed the child's for ehZd^'^^"' 
to confess the faith of Christ crucified, and manfollj to fight 
under his banner, against sin, the Tvorld, and the devil ; and to 
continue Christ's faithful soldier and servant unto his life's end. 
Amen. 

•|[ The same rule is to be observed here, as to the omission of the sign of 
the cross, as in the Public Baptism of Infants. 

^ Then shall the Minister say, 
Seeing now, dearly beloved brethren, that this child is regen- 
erate, and grafted into the bodv of Christ's Chm'ch ; let us give 
thanks unto ALiNaoHTY God for these benefits, and with one ac- 
cord make our prayers unto him, that this child may lead the 
rest of his life according to this beginning. 

^ Then shall be said, all kneeling, 
We yield thee hearty thanks, most merciful Father, that it 
hath pleased thee to regenerate this infant with thy holy Spuit, 
to receive him for thine own child by adoption, and to incoi-po- 
rate him into thy holy Chm'ch. And humbly we beseech thee 
to grant, that he being dead unto sin, and living unto righteous- 
ness, and being buiied with Christ in his death, may crucify the 
old man, and utterly abolish the whole body of sin ; and that as 
he is made jjartaker of the death of thy Son, he may also be 
partaker of his resuiTection ; so that finally, with the residue of 
thy holy Church, he may be an inheritor of thine everlasting 
kingdom, through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

^Then, all standing np, the Minister shall say to the Godfathers and 
G-odmothers this Exhortation following : 

Forasmuch as this child hath promised by you, his sureties., 
to renounce the devil and all his works, to believe in God, and 
to serve him ; ye must remember, that it is youi' parts and duties 
2* 



18 



PRIVATE BAPTISM OF CHILDREN. 



to see that this infant be taught, so soon as he shaH be able to 
leam, .rhat a solemn vo^. promise, and profession he hath here 
made by you. And that h, may know these things the better, 
ye shah call upon him to hear sermons; and chieflv ve shall 
provide, that he may learn the Creed, the Lord's pVaVer. and 
the Ten Commandments, and all other things Tvhich a Chiistian 
ought to kuoTv and beheve to his souls health; and that ihi^ 
child may be virtuously brought up to lead a godlv and a 
ChrL^tian life : remembering always, that baptism doth represent 
unto us our profession ; which is, to foUow the example of our 
Saviom- Christ, and to be made like unto hhn : that as he died 
and rose again for us, so should we, who are baptized, die from 
sm. and nse again unto righteousness; continually mortifvincr all 
our ^vil and corrupt affections, and daily proceechng in all vhtue 
and godliness of hvins;. 

*" Then shall he add, and say, 
Ye are to take care that this child be brought to the Bishop 
to be confirmed by him. so soon as he can sav the Creed, the 
Lord's Prayer, and the Ten Commandments, and is sufficiently 
mstructed in the other parts of the Chm-ch Catechism, set foith 
for that purpose. 

TButlfthey^vho bring the infant to the chnrch do make snch nncer- 
.am answers to the Minister's questions, as that it cannot apperS 
the child was t^ainized widi TVater. in the Xame of the FatiS Sid^ 
1^?'^ ^-Weh are essential part/of B^m^m) 

then let tae Minister baptize it in the Form before appointed forPu^b 

T^^^^^^^f!;^^ ^^^^ 

If thou art not already baptized, 3: I baptize thee in the 
name of the Father, and of the Sox, and of the Holt Ghost. 
Amen. 

^ ^-^^^^^^^^aprism. and the receiving of Infants baptized in privata are 
^^linister may make the QnestLs to the 
+iJi T ^ Mtcceedinc: prayers serve for both. And ac^ain after 

Chu^ch'^th;^'p;■' "^'^ P^^^nn.of water, and the receivin^^ into thj 
Chmch, the Minuter may use the remainder of the Service for both. 



THE MmiSTEATION 

OF 

'§^tm k sttd] as m si 'g'^tx ftnxs, 

A^'D ABLE TO ANSWER FOR THEMSELVES. 



^ When any such persons as are of Eiper years are to be baptized, timely 
notice shall be given to the Minister : that so due care may be taken 
for their examination, %yhether they be sutiiciently instrucled in the 
pi-inciples of the Christian Eeligion ; and that they may be exhorted to 
prepare themselves, with prayers and fasting, for the receiving of this 
holy Sacrament. 

"S" And if they shall be found fit, then the Godfathers and Godmothers 
(the people being assembled upon the Sunday, Holy day, or Prayer 
day, appointed) shall be ready to present them at the Font, imme- 
diately after the Second Lesson, either at Morning or Evening Prayer, 
as the Minister, in his discretion, shall think fit. 

^ And standing there, the Minister shall ask, "Whether any of the persons 
here present'ed be baptized or no ? If they shall answer, 'No ; then 
shall the Minister say thus : 

Dearly beloved, forasmuch as all men are conceived and 
born in sin, (and that which is born of the flesh is flesh,) and 
they who are in the flesh cannot please God, but live in sin, 
committing many actual transgressions ; and our Saviour Christ 
saith. None can enter into the kingdom of God, except he be 
regenerate and born anew of water and of the Holy Ghost ; I 
beseech you to call upon God the Father, thi'ough our Lord 
Jescs Christ, that of his bounteous goodness, he will grant to 
these persons that which by nature they cannot have ; that they 
may be baptized with water and the Holy Ghost, and received 
into Christ's holy Church, and be made lively members of the 
same. 

^ Then shall the Minister say, 
Let us pray. 

ALinoHTY and everlasting God, who of thy great mercy, didst 
save Noah and his family in the ai'k from perishing by water ; 



20 



BAPTISM OF THOSE OF RIPER YEARS. 



and also didst safelj lead the childi-en of Israel thy people 
thi-ough the Red Sea, figuring thereby thy holy Baptism ; and 
by tne baptism of thy weH-beloyed Son Jesus Christ in the 
liver Jordan, didst sanctify the element of water, to the mvsti- 
cal washmg away of sin; we beseech thee, for thine infi^nite 
mercies, that thou wilt mercifoUy look upon the.e thy servanU • 
wash them and sanctify them with the Holy Ghost ; that they 
being dehvered from thy wrath, may be received into the ark 
of Christ's Church ; and being steadfast in faith, joyful thi-ough 
hope, and rooted in charity, may so pass the waves of this 
troublesome world, that finalfy they may come to the land of 
everlasting life; there to reign with thee, world without end; 
thi-ough J Esus Christ om- Lord. Amen. 

% Or this. 

Almighty and immortal God, the aid of all who need, the 
helper of aU who flee to thee for succour, the life of those who 
beheve, and the resun-ection of the dead ; we caU upon thee for 
the^e persons, that they, coming to thy hofy baptism, may 
receive remission of their sins, by spmtual regeneration. Re- 
ceive them, Lord, as thou hast promised by thy weU-beloved 
Son, saying, Ask, and ye shall receive ; seek, and ye shall find • 
knock, and it shall be opened unto you: So give now unto uJ 
who ask; let us who seek, find; open the gate unto us who 
knock ; that these per so7is may enjoy the evei'lasting benediction 
of thy heavenly wasliing, and may come to the eternal kingdom 
which thou hast promised by Christ our Lord. Amen. 
1" Then the Minister shall say, 

Hear the words of the Gospel, written by Saint John, in the 
third chapter, beginmng at the first verse : 

There was a man of the Pharisees, named Mcodemus, a 
ruler of the Jews. The same came to Jesus by night, and slid 
unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from 
God ; for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except 



BAPTISM OF THOSE OF EIPER YEARS. 



21 



God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, 
verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot 
see the kingdom of God. Mcodemus saith unto him. How can 
a man be born when he is old ? can he enter the second time 
into his mother's womb, and be born ? Jesus answered, Yerily, 
verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born of water and of 
the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That 
which is born of the flesh, is flesh ; and that which is bom of the 
Spirit, is spmt. Marvel not that I said unto thee, ye must be 
bom again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest 
the sound thereof; but canst not teU whence it cometh, and 
whither it goeth : so is every one that is born of the Spirit. 

^ After which he shall say this Exhortation following : 

Beloved, ye hear in this Gospel the express words of our 
Saviour Christ, that, except a man be born of water and of the 
Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. Whereby ye 
may perceive the great necessity of this Sacrament, where it 
may be had. Likewise, immediately before his ascension into 
heaven, (as we read in the last chapter of Saint Mark's Gospel,) 
he gave command to his disciples, saying. Go ye into all the 
world, and preach the Gospel to eveiy creature. He that be- 
lieveth, and is baptized, sliall be saved ; but he that beheveth 
not, shall be damned: which also showeth unto us the great 
benefit we reap thereby. For which cause Saint Peter the 
Apostle, when upon his first preaching of the Gospel many were 
pricked at the heart, and said to him and the rest of the apos- 
tles, Men and brethren, what shaU we do ? rephed, and said unto 
them, Repent and be baptized every one of you, for the remis- 
sion of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost : 
For the promise is to you and yom* children, and to all that are 
afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And 
with many other words exhorted he them, saying, Save your- 
selves fi'om this untowai'd generation. For, as the same apostle 



22 BAPTISM OF THOSE OF EIPER YEARS. 



testifietii in another place, even baptism doth also now save us, 
(not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer 
of a good conscience towai'd God,) by the resun-ection of Jesus 
Christ. Doubt ye not therefore, but earnestly beheve, that he 
will favourably receive these present persons, truly repenting, 
and coming unto him by faith ; that he will grant thejn remission 
of thei?' sins, and bestow upon the?n the Holy Ghost ; that he 
will give them the blessing of eternal life, and make them par- 
takers of his everlasting kingdom. 

■\Vherefore, we being thus persuaded of the good wiU of our 
heavenly Father toward these persons, declai'ed by his Son 
Jesus Christ, let us faithfuUy and devoutly give thanks to him, 
and say, 

Amghtt and everlasting God, heavenly Father, we give 
thee hmnble thanks, for that thou hast vouchsafed to call us to 
the knowledge of thy gi-ace, and faith in thee : increase this 
knowledge, and confirm this faith in us evermore. Give thy 
Holt Spirit to these persojis, that they may be born again, and 
be made heirs of everlasting salvation, through our Lord Jesus 
Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holt Spirit, 
now and for ever. Amen. 

Then the Minister shall speak to the persons to be baptized on this 
wise : 

■\\^ELL-BEL0VED, who are come hither desiring to receive holy 
Baptism, ye have heard how the congi-egation hath prayed, that 
our Lord Jesus Christ would vouchsafe to receive you and bless 
you, to release you of yom- sins, to give you the kingdom of 
heaven, and everlasting fife. Ye have heard also that our Lord 
Jesus Christ hath promised, in his holy word, to grant all those 
things that ye have prayed for ; which promise he, for his pai-t, 
mil most surely keep and perform. Wherefore, after this prom- 
ise made by Christ, ye must also faithfiiUy, for yom- part, in 
the presence of these yom- witnesses, and this whole congi-ega= 
tion, promise and answer to the foUowing questions. 



BAPTISM OF THOSE OP KIPER TEABS. 



23 



^ The Minister shall then demand of the persons to be baptized as fol- 
lovrs : the questions being considered as addressed to them severallyj 
and the answers to be made accordingly. 

Questio7i. 

Dost thou renounce the devil and all his vorks, the vain pomp 
and gloiy of the world, with all covetous desii'es of the same, 
pjacl the sinful deshes of the flesh ; so that thou wilt not follow 
nor be led by them ? 

Ansmer. I renounce them all ; and, bj God's help, will en- 
deavour not to follow, nor be led by them. 

Questioa. Dost thou beheve all the articles of the Chiistian 
faith, as contained in the Apostles' Creed ? 

Answer. I do. 

Question. WUt thou be baptized in this faith ? 
AnsL':er. That is my desire. 

Question. Wilt thou then obediently keep Gods holy will and 
commandments ; and walk in the same all the days of thy life ] 
Answer. I will, by God's help. 

1 Then shall the Minister say, 
O MERCIFUL God, grant that the old Adam in tlit!^e jyersons 
may be so bmied, that the new man may be raised up in ther/i. 
Amen. 

Grant that all sinful affections may die in tJiern, and that bH 
things belonging to the Spuit may Hve and grow in them. 
Amen, 

Grant that they may have power and strength to have vic- 
toiy, and to tiiumph, against the devil, the world, and the flesh. 
Amen. 

Grant that they being here dedicated to thee by our office pjid 
ministry, may also be endued with heavenly virtues, and ever- 
lastingly rewarded, thi-ough thy mercy, blessed Lord God, 
who dost hve and govern all things, world without end. Amen. 

Almighty, everhving God, whose most dearly beloved Son 
Jesus Cheist, for the forgiveness of oui' sins, did shed out of hi3 



24 BAPTISM OF THOSE OF RIPER TEARS. 

most precious side both water and blood ; and gave coKimandment 
to his disciples, that they should go teach all nations, and baptize 
them m the name of the Father, and of the Sox, and of the 
Holy Ghost ; regard, Tve beseech thee, the supphcations of thy 
congregation ; sanctify this water to the mystical washing away 
of sin; and grant that the persons now to be baptized therein 
may receive the fiihiess of thy gi-ace, and ever remain in the 
number of thy faithful childi-en, through Jesus Chuist om- Lord 
Amen. 

;Mlnister take each person to be baptized br the ri-ht 
hand . and placing him convenientlv bv the Font accord^no-" to hu lu. 
'if.dT-' t'^^ Godfathers and Godmothers thrname^ and then 

shaU dip him m the water, or pour %yater upon him, saying, 

I BAPTIZE thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, 
and^of the Holt G-host. Amen. 

^ Then shall the Minister say, 
"V^'e receive this person into the congregation of Christ's 
Flock, aud do - sign him with the sign of the * Here t?,. ^n^u^.r 
cross : in token that hereafter he shall not be 2K';rS;K-^«r 
ashamed to confess the faith of Christ cracified, and manftiUy 
to fight under his banner, against sin, the world, and the deyil ; 
and to continue Christ's faithful soldier and servant unto his 
life's end. Amen. 

^ The same rule, as to the omission of the sisn of the cross, is to be ob- 
served here, as in the Baptism of Intants. 

^ Then shall the Minister say, 

SeeixCx now, dearly beloved brethren, that these persons are 

regenerate, and grafted into the body of Christ's Church ; let 

us give thanks unto AL^nGHTv God for these benefits, and ^vith 

one accord make om- prayers tmto him, that they may lead the 

rest of their hfe according to this beginning. 

^ Then shall be said the Lord's Prayer, all kneeling. 

Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy ^s'ame ; Thy 

kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven; 



BAPTISM OF THOSE OF RIPER YEARS. 



25 



Giye us this day om* daily bread ; And forgive us our trespasses, 
as we forgive those who trespass against us ; And lead us not 
into temptation ; But deliver us fi'om evil. Amen. 

'We yield thee humble thanks, heavenly Father, that thou 
hast vouchsafed to call us to the knowledge of thy grace, and 
faith in thee : increase this knowledge, and confirm this faith in 
us evermore. Give thy holy Spirit to these j^ersons ; that being 
now bora again, and made heirs of everlasting salvation, thi'ough 
om' Lord Jesus Christ, they may continue thy servants, and 
attain thy promises, thi'ough the same Lord Jesus Christ thy 
Son; who hveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the same 
Holy Spirit, everlastingly. Amen. 

^ Then, all standing up, the Minister shall nse this Exhortation follow- 
ing : speaking to the G-odfathers and G-odmothers first. 

Forasmuch as these persons have promised, in your presence, 
to renounce the devil and all his works, to beHeve in Gou, and 
to serve him ; ye must remember that it is your part and duty 
to put them in mind, what a solemn vow, promise, and profes- 
sion, they have now made before this congregation, and especially 
before you their chosen witnesses. And ye are also to call 
upon thern to use ah dihgence to be rightly instructed in God's 
holy word ; that so they may grow in grace, and in the knowl- 
edge of our Lord Jesus Christ ; and live godly, righteously, and 
soberly, in this present world. 

^ And then speaking to the baptized persons, he shall proceed and say, 
And as for you, who have now by baptism put on Christ, it 
is your part and duty also, being made the children of God and 
of the light, by faith in Jesus Christ, to walk auswerably to 
your Chi'istian calhng, and as becometh the cbildi'en of light ; 
remembering always, that Baptism representeth unto us our 
profession ; which is, to follow the example of our Savioui' 
Christ, and to be made like unto hun ; that as he died, and rose 
again for us, so should we, who are baptized, die h'om sin, and 
3 



26 



BAPTISM OF THOSE OF RIPER YEARS. 



rise again unto righteousness; continually mortif)ang all our 
evil and con-upt affections, and daily proceeding in all yh-tue 
and godliness of living. 

^ It is^xpedient that every person thus baptized should be confirmed by 
the Bishop, so soon after his Baptism as conveniently may be : that so 
he may be admitted to the Holy Communion. 

^ TVhereas necessity may require the baptizing of adults in private 
houses, in consideration of extreme sickness; the same is hereby 
allo^ved in that case. And a convenient number of persons shall be 
assembled in the house where the Sacrament is to be performed^. And 
in The exhortation. VieU-leloved, cf'C, instead of these words, oame 
liither desiring, shall be inserted this word, desirous. 
If there be occasion for the Office of Infant Baptism and that of Adults 
at the same time, the Minister shall use the exhortation and one of the 
prayers next following in the Office for Adults: onlv. in the exhorta- 
tion and prayer, after the words, these jyersons, and tJiese thy servants, 
adding, and these infants. Then the Minister shall proceed to the 
questions to be demanded in the cases respectivelv. After the im- 
mersion, or the pouring of water, the praver shall be as in this service • 
only, after the words, these persons, shall be added, and these infants. 
After which tlie remainins: part of each service shaU be used ; first that 
for Adults, and lastly that for Infants. 
^If any person, not baptized in their infancy, shall be brought to be 
baptized before they come to years of discretion to answer lor them- 
selves, it may suffice to use the Office for Public Baptism of Infants: 
or. m caseof extreme danger, the Office for Private Baptism: only 
changing the word injairt, for child, oi person, as occasion requireth. 



% Catechism ; 

THAT IS TO SAY, 

AN I^'-STEUCTION, TO BE LEARNED BY E^'ERY PERSON BEFORE KE BE 
BROUGHT TO BE C0XFIR:MED BY THE BISHOP. 



Question. 

1. What is youi' name ? 
Ans. N. or M. 

2. Quest. "Wlio gave you ttds name ? 

Ans. My Sponsors in Baptism ; wherein I -was made a mem- 
ber of Christ, the child of God, and an inheritor of the kingdom 
of heaven. 

3. Quest. What did your Sponsors then for you ? 

Ans. They did promise and yow three thing's in my name : 
Fu'st, that I should renounce the devil and all his vrorks, the 
pomps and vanity of this -wicked world, and all the smful lusts 
of the flesh ; Secondly, that I should beheve all the articles of 
the Chiistian faith ; And Thirdly, that I should keep God's holy 
will and commandments, and vralk in the same all the days of 
my life. 

4. Quest. Dost thou not think that thou ai't bound to beheve, 
and to do, as they have promised for thee ? 

Ans. Yes, verily ; and by God's help so I will : and I heartily 
thank om* heavenly Father, that he hath called me to this state 
of salvation, through Jesus Christ our Saviom' : and I pray unto 
God to give me his gi'ace, that I may continue in the same unto 
my life's end. 

5. Catechist. Reheai'se the articles of thy Behef 

Answer. 

I believe in God the Father .Almighty, Maker of heaven and 
earth : 

A.nd in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord ; Who was con- 



28 



A CATECHISM. 



ceived by the Holt Ghost, Bom of the Virgin Maiv, Suffered 
under Pontius Pilate, Was cmcified, dead, and bmied ; He 
descended into heU; The thh'd day he rose from the dead : He 
ascended into heaven, And sitteth on the right hand of Gon the 
Father ^ilinighty ; From thence he shaU come to jud^e the 
quick and the dead. 

I behere in the Holy Ghost; The holy cathohc Church; The 
communion of saints; The forgiveness of^^ins; The resmTection 
of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. 

6. Quest mat dost thou chieflv leai'n in these article^ of thv 
Eehef? " ^ ^ 

Ans. First, I leam to beheve in God the Fathes, vrho hath 
made me, and pJl ihe vrorld. 

Secondly, in God the Sox, who hath redeemed me, and all 
mankind. 

Thirdly, in God the Holt Ghost, Tvho sanctineth me, and all 
the people of God. 

7. Quest You said that yom- sponsors did promise for vou, 
that you should keep Gods commandments. Tell me how 
many there are. 

Ans. Ten. 

8. Quest, mich ai'e they ? 

Ansicer. 

The same Avhich God spake in the twentieth chapter of 
Exodus, saying, I am ihe Lord thy God, who brought thee out 
of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. 

I Thou shalt have none other gods but me. 
^ n. Thou shalt not make to thyseK any gi-aven image, nor the 
hkeness of any thing- that is in heaven"' above, or in the earth 
beneath, or in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow 
down to them, nor worship them : for I the Lord thy God am a 
jealous God, and visit the sins of the fathers upon the children, 
unto the thii-d and fourth generation of them that hate me ; and 



A CATECHISM. 



29 



show mercy unto thousands in them that love me, and keep my 
comman dments. 

III. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy G-on in 
vain : for the Loed will not hold him guiltless that taketh his 
name in vain. 

rr. Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath-day. Six 
davs shalt thou labom', and do all that thou hast to do ; but the 
seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God. In it thou 
shalt do no manner of work, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, 
thy man-servant, and thy maid-servant, thy cattle, and the 
stranger that is within thy gates. For in six days the Loed 
made heaven and eaith, the sea, and all that in them is, and 
rested the seventh day : wherefore the Loed blessed the 
seventh day, and hallowed it 

V. Honour thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be 
long in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee 

TL Thou shalt do no mm-der. 

yn. Thou shalt not commit adulteiy. 

VnL Thou shalt not steal. 

LK. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy ueighbom\ 
X. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not 

covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his servant, nor his maid, nor his 

ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is his. 

9. Qy^^t. ^What dost thou chiefly leam by these command- 
ments ? 

Aiu. I learn two things ; my duty towai'd God, and my duty 
toward my neig]il>jur. 

10. Quest. "What is thy duty toward God ? 

Alls, My duty toward God is, to beheve in li im ; to fear 
him ; and to love him with all my heart, with all my mind, with 
all my souL, and with all my strength ; to worship him ; to give 
him thanks ; to put my whole trust in him ; to call upon hi n i ; 
to honom' his holy name and his word ; and to serve him truly all 
the days of my life. 

3* 



80 



A CATECHISM. 



11. Quest. TMiatisthjduty toward thy neighbour? 
Ans. My duty toward my neighbour is, to love him as myself, 
and to do to aU men as I would they should do unto me: to 
love, honour, and succom- my father and mother: to honour and 
obey the civil authority : to submit myseK to aU mv governors, 
teachers, spiritual pastors, and masters: to order mVself lowly 
and reverently to all my betters : to hurt nobody by word or 
deed : to be true and just in all my dealings : to bear^no mahce 
nor hatred in my heart: to keep my hands from picking and 
steahng, and my tongue fi-om evil speaking, lying, and slLder- 
ing : to keep my body in temperance, soberness, and chastity : 
not to covet nor desii-e other men's goods ; but to learn and labour' 
truly to get mine own hving, and to do my duty in that state 
of li^ unto which it shall please God to call me. 

12. Catechist My good child, know this, that thou art not 
able to do these things of thyself, nor to walk in the command- 
ments of God, and to serve him, without his special grace, which 
thou must learn at aU times to call for by dJligent prayer. Let 
me hear, therefore, if thou canst say the Lord's Prayer. 
Answer. 

Om Father, who art in heaven. Hallowed be thy ]S\ame ; Thy 
kingdom come ; Thy wiU be done on earth, as it is in helven ; 
Give us this day om- daily bread ; And forgive us our trespasses,' 
as we forgive those who trespass ag-ainst us; And lead us not 
into temptation ; But deliver us from evil. Amen. 
13. Quest. What desfrest thou of God in this prayer? 
^ Ans. I desire my Lord God, oui- heavenly Father, who is the 
giver of all goodness, to send his grace unto me and all people ; 
that we may worship him, serve him, and obey him, as we 
ought to do : and I pray unto God, that he will send us all 
things that are needful both for our souls and bodies ; and that 
he will be merciful unto us, and forgive us our sins ; and that it 
will please hmi to save and defend us in all dangers both of 
soul and body ; and that he will keep us from aU sin and wick- 



A CATECHISM. 



31 



edness, and from our spuitual enemy, and from everlasting 
death : and this I trust he will do of his mercy and goodness, 
thi'ough our Lord Jesus Christ ; and therefore I say, Amen : 
So be it 

Questio7i. 

14. How many Sacraments hath Cheist ordained in his 
Chm-ch ? 

A71S. Two only, as generally necessary to salvation ; that is 
to say. Baptism, and the Supper of the Lord. 

15. Quest What meanest thou by this word Sacrament ? 
Ans. 1 mean an outward and visible sign of an inward and 

spuitual gi-ace, given unto us ; ordained by Christ himself ; as 
a means whereby we receive the same, and a pledge to assure 
us thereof. 

16. Quest How many parts are there in a Sacrament? 
A71S. Two ; the outward visible sign, and the inward spiritual 

grace. 

17. Quest WTiat is the outward visible sign or form in Bap- 
tism? 

Ans. Water ; wherein the person is baptized, Tn the name of 
the Father, aiid of the Sox, a7id of the Holy Ghost. 

18. Quest What is the inward and sphitual grace? 

A71S. A death unto sin, and a new bulh unto righteousness : 
for being by natm-e bom in sin, and the children of wi-ath, we 
ai'e hereby made the childi-en of grace. 

19. Quest 'Wha.t is requhed of persons to be baptized ? 
Ans. Repentance, whereby they forsake sin ; and faith, 

whereby they steadfastly believe the promises of Con made to 
them in that Sacrament. 

20. Quest Why then are infants baptized, when by reason 
of their tender age they cannot perform them ? 

Ans. Because they promise them both by theii' sureties ; 
which promise, when they come to age, themselves are bound 
to perform. 



A CATECHISM. 



21. Quest Wliy was the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper 
ordained ? ^ 

A71S. For the continual remembrance of the sacrifice of the 
death of Cheist, and of the benefits which we receive thereby. 

22. Quest What is the outwai'd part or sign of the Lord's 
Supper ? 

Ans.^ Bread and wine, which the Lord hath commanded to 
be receiyed. 

23. Quest mat is the inwai'd part or thing signified ? 
Ans. The body and blood of Christ, which are spmtuaUy 

taken and received by the faithful in the Lord s Supper. 

24. Quest What are the benefits whereof we ai'e partakers 
thereby ? 

Ans. The strengthening and refi-eshing of oui- souls bv the 
body and blood of Christ, as oui- bodies are by the bread and 
wine. 

25. Quest What is reqiured of those who come to the Lord's 
Supper ? 

Ans. To examine themselves, whether they repent them truly 
of then- former sins, steadfastly pui-posing to lead a new hfe • 
have a hvely faith in God's mercy, thi'ough Christ, with a thank- 
fiil remembrance of his death ; and be in chaiity with all men. 

^d^vV^^?'?r,''.o^^^^ ''^'^ diligently upon Sundays and Holy 

cuy., 01 on bome other conyement occasions, openly in 'the chnrch 
^:^^^'^\ ^'"^^ ^^^^ ^^i^^^^^^^ of his pariih. sent nnto Mm ^ 
he shall think convenient, in some part of thii Catechism. 

^^'^f^''^^ fathers motliers, masters, and mistresses shall can^e their 
children, servants, and apprentices, who have not learned h^fr Cate^ 
W '^.'^ ^^«^^^\^^^'ch at the time appointed, and obediently to 

hear, and to be ordered by the Minister, nitii snch time as thev W 
learned all that is here appointed for them to learn ^ 

^rtoH^'S ^\ children are come to a competent age, and can say the 
fn -^^'^ ' '"^'^^ Ten Commandments, and can answe? 

Bishop.' '^"^ '^^''^ Catechism, they shall be broSghUo 

^And whensoev-er the Bishop shall dve knowledc-e for childi-en to 
brongM nnto him for their Confirmation, the MiMer of eve^^-y^^^^^^^^ 
shaU either bring, or send in writin- with his hand subscribed there 
mito the names of all such persons within his parish, ^^h^^^^^^^^ 
fit to be presented to the Bishop to be confirmid. 



C|e 6rkr of Confiniiatiuit, 



OR, LAYTN'G HANDS UPOX THOSE WHO AHE BAPTIZED AXD COME TO 
YEARS OF DISCRETION* 



^ Tpon the day appointed, all fhat are to be then confirmed, being placed 
and standing in order before the Bishop : he. or some other Minister 
appointed by him, shall read this preface follo™g : 

To the end that Confii-mation may be ministered to the more 
edifying of such as shall receive it, the Chm'ch hath thought good 
to order, that none shall be confinned, but such as can say the 
Creed, the Lord's Prayer, and the Ten Commandments ; and can 
also answer to such other questions, as in the short Catechism 
are contained : which order is very convenient to be obseiTed ; 
to the end that children, being now come to the years of dis- 
cretion, and having learned what their godfathers and godmo- 
thers promised for them in baptism, may themselves, with their 
own mouth and consent, openly before the Chm-ch ratify and 
confii-m the same ; and also promise, that, by the gi'ace of God, 
they will evennore endeavom* themselves faithfully to obseiTe 
such things as they, by their own confession, have assented unto. 
^ Then shall the Bishop say, 

Do ye here, in the presence of God, and of this congregation, 
renew the solemn promise and vow that ye made, or that was 
made in yom* name, at yom* baptism ; ratif}4ng and confii-ming 
the same ; and acknowledging yourselves bound to believe and 
to do all those things which ye then undertook, or your sponsors 
then undertook for you ? 

^ And every one shall andibly answer, 

I do. 

Bishop. 

OcR help is in the name of the Lord ; 
Ans. Who hath made heaven and eailh. 



34 THE ORDER OF CONFIRM ATIOIf. 

Bishop. Blessed be the name of the Lord; 
Ans. Henceforth, world without end. 
Bishop. LoED, hear om- prajer. 
Ans. And let om- cry come unto thee. 
Bishop. Let us pray. 

Almighty and everliving God, who hast vouchsafed to regen- 
erate these thy servants by water and the Holy Ghost, and 
hast given unto them forgiveness of all theii- sins ; stren^hen 
them, we beseech thee, O Lord, with the Holy Ghost, the 
Comforter; and daily increase in them thy manifold gifts of 
grace ; the spmt of wisdom and understanding, the spu^it of 
counsel and ghostly sti-ength, the spirit of knowledge and true 
godhness ; and fill them, Lord, with the spirit of thy holy 
fear/ now and for ever. Amen. 

^ Then aU of them in order kneeling before the Bishop, he shall lav his 
hands upon the head of every one severally, skying, ^ 

Defend, Lord, this thy child [or, this thy sermnt] with 
thy heavenly grace; that he may continue thine for ever, and 
daily increase in thy Holy Spirit more and more, untU he come 
unto thy everlasting kingdom. Amen. 

1 Then shaU the Bishop say, 
The Lord be with you. 
A71S. And with thy spirit. 

^ All kneeling down, the Bishop shall add, 
Let us p]*ay. 

Our Father, who art in heaven, HaUowed be thy JS^ame • Thy 
kingdom come ; Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven ; 
Give us this day om- daily bread ; And forgive us om- trespasses,' 
as we forgive those who trespass against us ; And lead us not 
mto temptation ; But dehver us fi-om evH. Amen. 

t And these CoUects. 

Almighty and everlasting God, who makest us both to wiU 
and to do those things which are good and acceptable unto thy 



THE ORDER OF CONFIRMATION. 



35 



divine majesty ; we make om* Liiimble supplications unto thee 
for these thy servants, upon whom, after the example of thy 
holy apostles, we have now laid our hands ; to certify them, by 
this sign, of thy favom* and gi'acious goodness toward them. Let 
thy Fatherly hand, we beseech thee, ever be over them : Let 
thy Holy Spirit ever be with them : and so lead them in the 
knowledge and obedience of thy word, that in the end they may 
obtain everlasting life, thi'ough our Lord Jesus Christ; who, 
with thee and the Holy Ghost, hveth and reigneth ever one 
God, world without end. Amen. 

Almighty Lord, and everlasting God, vouchsafe, we be- 
seech thee, to du'ect, sanctify, and govern, both om- hearts and 
bodies, in the ways of thy laws, and in the works of thy com- 
mandments ; that through thy most mighty protection, both here 
and ever, we may be preserved in body ajid soul, thi'ough our 
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen, 

^ Then the Bishop shall bless them, saying thus : 
The blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the 
Holy Ghost, be upon you, and remain with you for ever. 
Amen. 

1 And there shall none be admitted to the Holy Communion, until such 
time as he be confirmed, or be ready and desirous to be confii-med. 



INTRODUCTIOi(. 



In the Offices for the Ministration of Baptism, in 
the Catechism, and in The Order of Confirmation, 
certain persons are mentioned, and yarionsly desig- 
nated as Godfathers and Godmothers, Sponsors, 
Sureties, and Witnesses,— titles, which, from their 
very signification, imply some important relation to 
certain other parties with whom they are connected. 
Thus, as will hereafter appear, they are called 

Sponsors, because, in Infant Baptism, they respond 
or answer for the baptized. They are Sureties, in 
virtue of the security given to the Church, that the 
baptized shall be virtuously brought up to lead a 
godly and a Christian life. And, from the spiritual 
affinity here created, by which a responsibihty al- 
most parental is undertaken by the Sureties, in the 

future training of the baptized, the terms Godfather 
4 



KTHODUCTIOX. 



and Godmother hare taken theh- rise."* Thev are 
also called Witnesses, in the case of Adulti, as 
wituessing- their Baptism,, and pledged to remind 
them of the steps now taken by them, as also of the 
■duties following thereafter. 

The relation thns implied is entered upon actually, 
at the ministration of Baptism : and even a cursory 
examination of those parts of the Prayer Book in 
which it is presented to om- notice, shows that this 
connection l^etween the parties is most mtimate ; 
that the duties springing therefrom are most im- 
portant : that, therefore, they shotdd not be hghtlv 
assumed ; and that, being assumed, thev should be 
faithfully performed : for, they respect the salvation 
of the children of Gop. 

TVhatsoever, in any way, affects this-whether to 
hinder, or promote and secitre it-mnst necessarily 
interest all, who have their own and others" salvation 
at heart, and shodd receive their serious attention, 
and their earnest care. EspeciaUy should this be the 
feeling and practice of all who have, or may, become 

* Staunton's Church Dictionary. 



I^'"TROD^CTIOX. 39 
Sponsors. Tliev slioiilcl kno^ tlieir duty and do it, 
undertaking tlie same in tlie fear of God, TVlio will' 
most certainly bring upon them an awful judgment, 
if they do not (at least ami to) meet their respon- 
sibility in this matter. 

For the mstruction, therefore, of all who are, or 
contemplate becoming, Sponsors, has the present 
Manual been prepared, in the hope that it may con- 
tribute to the removal of ignorance or neglect; 
encourage and excite to the faithful performance of 
what, on this head, the Chiu'ch has seen fit to 
appoint and reqtiire, for the edification of Her 
children. TTith this object in view, accordingly, it 
is proposed now to notice at some length the whole 
subject of Sponsorial duties, whatsoerer seems neces- 
sary to an elucidation of the history and design of 
the Sponsorial ofi&ce being connected therewith. 

And since, as has already been remarked in ad- 
vance, the Sponsorial relation to the baptized begins 
with their Baptism, when — as we shall see hereafter 
— certain renunciations, vows and promises are made, 
and certain subsequent duties enjoined, the perform- 



40 

IXTRODUCTIOX. 

anee of ^hich is to continue for a certain period of 
time, it may not be out of place to notice-also at 
some length-the subject of Baptism,, including some 
accotmt of its origin among the Jews, its adoption 
bv our Lord, and its ministration in the Chiistian 
Chtirch. 



% gtaiual for ^piiMrs. 



PAET I. 

I.-JETVISH BAPTISM. 

1. When man fell, thus terminating the original 
and true covenant of works bv his failing to continue 
in a comphance ^th its terms, the covenant of 
grace began, with the promise that the seed of the 
woman should bruise the serpent's head : a promise 
mercifully made m virtue and m anticipation of the 
Great Sacrifice, consummated upon the cross by 
Christ, Who was The Lamb slain from the found- 
ation of the world.^ For, assuredly, it was an act 
of God's merciful grace, that the original penalty 
denounced against the first transgression was so far 
modified as to give our race, when it had fallen in. 
our first parents, an opportunity for regaining His 



* Gen. iii. 15 ; Eey. xlii. S. 
4* 



*2 ilAXUAL rOR SPOXSOES. 

favour. Xor was this new corenant without a law 
requiring man's obedience; for, " Enoch walked with 
God," and so "pleased God;"* as did Xoah, who 
was " a preacher of righteousness."t It also had 
some appointed and risible religious services; for, 
Abel offered a sacrifice, and "a more acceptable 
sacrifice than Cain."+ With it also were connected 
influences of Divine Grace; for, God's Spirit strove 
with men.§ After which, God brought in upon the 
mgodly the flood, which "was the Baptism of the 
world, the iniquity whereof was purged by Water, 
and all that was corrupt was buried in that universal 
deluge, until, at last, in token that the evil was 
expiated, the Dove did rest upon the renewed face 
of the earth, and was the messenger of peace to 
those who were saved by those waters." || 

2. As before the deluge the descendants of Adam 
corrupted themselves, so after it the descendants of 
Xoah (abusing the promise that the earth should 
not again be destroyed by a flood) turned fi'om the 

* G-en. T. 24: Het. xi. o. 
+ Gen. vi.9: 2 Pet, ii. 5. 
t Gen. ir. .3-7; Heb. xi. 4. 
f Gen. Ti. 3. 

E Comber, Brief Discourse upon the Offices of Bapttsm, Catechism, and 
Confirmation. London, 1677. ' , ouu 



JEWISH BAPTISM. 43 

Most Higli, and served other gods."^ From among 
tliese, in order to preserve a knowledge of Himself 
upon the earth, and to prepare the way for the coming 
of the Messiah, first promised to Eve, God chose 
Abram to be the Father of the Faithful, the first of 
a pecuhar people. For I know hun," said God, 
that he will command his children and his house- 
hold after him, and they shall keep the way of the 
Lord, to do justice and judgment.'-f "With him, 
therefore, God made (or renewed) a covenant; J and 
with his descendants through him, both promising 
temporal blessings, and looking forward to the coming 
of Christ. § 

3. Every covenant between two contracting par- 
ties has a seal. Accordingly, thereby exhibiting His 
condescension towards fallen man, utterly undone and 
lost but for the love and mercy of the Most High, 
which appeared in the promise to our first Mother, 
God instituted Circumcision as the seal of the cove- 
nant between Himself and Abraham and his descend- 
ants, in such a manner that the uncircumcised should 

* Gen. ix. 9-lT ; Josli. xxiv. 2. 
+ Gen. xviii. 19. 
X Gen. XV. 18. 

§ Gen. xii. 1-3, T; xiii. 14-lT; xy. 5, 6, 13-16 ; XYiii. 4-9, 19. 



44 MANUAL FOR SPONSOfiS. 

be cut off from his people, having broken the cove- 
nant * Moreover, as in other covenants there are 
mutual promises, having fixed conditions of fulfilment, 
so here this covenant with Abraham and his de- 
scendants, which includes the Mosaic Dispensation, 
had a law prescribing its conditions. This Law was 
partly Moral, partly Ecclesiastical or Ritual. As 
Moral, it was, for the first time, formally given from 
Mount Sinai, after the departure of the Hebrews 
from Egypt for Canaan; Moses having, by the com- 
mand of God, first sanctified the people.f As 
Ecclesiastical or Ritual, with its Ministers and ser- 
vices, it was subsequently drawn out by Moses before 
his death, and is detaUed at length in his last four 
Books. 



4. This Covenant, as it respected the Hebrews, 
was not, even under the Mosaic Dispensation, so 
exclusive, but that strangers, " aliens from the com- 
monwealth of Israel,"! could be admitted to its 
privileges, being then obliged to its obedience. 
Accordingly, "in all ages," says Maimonides, "when 



* G-en. XYii. 9-14. 

t Exod. XX. 1-17; xix. 10, 14. 

t Eph. ii. 12. 



JEWISH BAPTISM. 45 

an Ethnic [or Gentile] is willing to enter into the 
Covenant, and gather himself under the wings of the 
majesty of Gron, and take upon him the yoke of the 
Law, he must be circumcised, and baptized, and 
bring a sacrifice ; or, if it be a woman, be baptized, 
and bring a sacrifice. As it is written,^ ' As you are 
so shall the stranger be/ One ordinance shall be 
both for you of the congregation, and also for the stran- 
ger that sojourneth with you, an ordinance for ever, 
in your generations; as ye are, so shall the stranger be 
before the Lord.'] How are you ? By circumcision 
and baptism, and bringing of a sacrifice. So likewise 
the stranger (or proselyte) through all generations; 
by circumcision and baptism, and bringing of a 
sacrifice. And at this time, when there is no sacri- 
ficing, they must be circumcised and baptized ; and 
when the temple shall be built, they are to bring the 
sacrifice. A stranger that is circumcised and not 
baptized, or baptized and not circumcised, he is not 
a proselyte till he be both circumcised and baptized, 
and he must be baptized in the presence of three, 
&c.''f Whensoever, therefore, a male became a 

* Numb. XV. 15. 

t Wall's History of Infant Baptism. Yol. I. Introd. See also Exod. 
xii. 43-49. 



MANUAL FOR SPONSORS. 

proselyte, then these ceremonies were always observed 
in Ms own case, and that of his male children already 
born. For females there was baptism and a sacrifice. 
If a child was fatherless, it was baptized at the 
desire of the mother. We learn, moreover, that it 
was the custom of the Jews to circumcise and baptize 
servants that were received from heathens into a 
state of servitude, holding them as proselytes ; and 
likewise, such infants as had been exposed in the 
fields, forests, or highways, by their heathen parents, 
as was often the case; and those whom they took 
captive in their wars, and intended to bring up in 
their religion. This rule, however, was applied only 
to proselytes from heathenism; none of Hebrew race 
were baptized, it being thought that the whole 
Jewish nation was holy, in consequence of its saneti- 
fication previous to the giving of the law.^ 

5. First adding, that the Jews called the Baptism 

of such persons— as are above mentioned— their 

" new birth," regeneration," or "heing born agam/' 

we have now these facts : 

1. That those of Hebrew race were simply circum- 
cised. 

* WaU, Introd. Exod. xix. 6, 10, 14. 



JOHx's BAPTISM. 47 

2. That to all others becoming proselytes, Baptism 
was also administered. 

3. That infants -n-ere admitted into the Corenant. 



II — JOHN'S BAPTISM. 

Baptism, as is evident, was no new thing to the 
Jews, when John Baptist appeared, administering it. 
Indeed, "some of their Rabbins had said of old. 
That, in the days of the Messiah, there would be so 
many converts that they should be forced to baptize 
them, because it would be impossible to circumcise 
them all." This supposition explains the question 
put to John, " Why baptizest thou then, if thou be 
not that Christ, nor Elias, nor that Proi^het?"* For, 
as they had been in the habit of baptizing such as 
would become proselytes, they could not understand 
why John should baptize such as were Jews already, 
if he were not more than he appeared, or gave him- 
self out, to be. 

But, as he said to them, there was a Greater 
"among them Whom they knew not " The Lamb 
of God, Which taketh away the sin of the world 

* Comter, Com. Pr., Bap. Jclin i. 25. 



48 MANUAL FOR SPONSORS. 

Who would ''baptize witli the Holy Ghost^' '* and 
with fire f Who must '' increase'' — all men coming 
to Him — whilst John ''must decrease.'"^ For, 
This was the Christ. John's mission, therefore, was 
of but temporary design, preparatory to Christ and 
His Kingdom. John's Baptism also was only " with 
water," and "unto repentance" — from sin indeed, 
but as to be exhibited in reference to, and in, the 
Redeemer's Kingdom ; since, according to St. Paul, 
John taught "the people, that they should believe 
on Him Which should come after him, that is, 
Christ Jesus." And, as to his Baptism, it was to 
cease, St. Paul baptizing "in the jSTame of the Lord 
Jesus" certain ones who had received it. jS^or, could 
it have been Christian Baptism, or for Christians. 
For, those whom the Apostle thus baptized, " had 
not [even] so much as heard whether there be any 
Holt Ghost," having only been baptized, as "they 
said. Unto John's Baptism."f 

* John i. 26, 29, 83 ; Matt. iii. 11 ; Jolin iii. 26, 30. 
+ Matt. iii. 11 ; Acts xviii. 25 : xix. 2-5. 



CHRISTIAN BAPTISM. 



49 



III. — OHEISTIAN BAPTISM. 
1. Its Institution. 

Baptism, being of easy obseryance, and its ob- 
ject as an initiatory rite having been known to the 
Jews, who styled it the new-birth or regeneration — 
as, our Lord gave Xicodemns to understand, he who 
was a Master of Israel" should have known — 
Christ adopted it for a Sacrament of His Church, 
formally instituting it for a perpetual ordinance in 
His last commission to the Apostles, saying, All 
power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. Go 
ye, therefore, and teach [disciple] all nations, bap- 
tizing them in the Xame of the Father, and of the 
Sox, and of the Holy Ghost ; teaching them to 
observe all things whatsoever I have commanded 
you : and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the 
end of the world."! 

2. Its Necessity. 
1. Of Baptism — as of the Lord's Supper — the 
Church Catechism says that it is ''generally neces- 

* Jobn iii. 3, 5, 9, 10. 

j- Matt. xxYiii. 18-20; also, Mark xvi. 15, 16. 
5 



50 MANUAL FOR SPOXSOES. 

sary to salyation/*^ i. e.^ ''uone may, witlioiit hazard 
of missing its peculiar graces, refuse to use it, who 
have the opportunity of being partakers thereof."* 
And the same truth is imphed in the opening Ex- 
hortation, and Prayer, and the Gospel, of the Bap- 
tismal Offices. 

2. Xo^v, the necessity there is for ministering, and 
receiving Baptism, springs from the principle which 
makes ol3edience to any Dirine command — where 

obedience is possible — necessary to salvation. For 
that its ministration is commanded, appears both 
from its institution and the Apostolic commission 
already quoted; and that its reception is commanded 
also, appears from this saying of oui^ Lord, ''He 
that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.^f 

3. Again, this necessity springs from the ends de- 
signed by its Institutor— which ends, under Divine 
appointment, cannot ordinarily be attained other- 
wise. It is necessary, therefore, ''for the remission 
of sins," as St. Peter told the Jews on the day of 
Pentecost ;J for our regeneration, and admission 

* Bp. Bi'OTvneH's Prar er Book. 

t Mark xri. 16 ; also, Acts li. 83 ; Titus iii. 5 ; 1 Pet. iii. 20, 21. 
% Acts ii. 38 . 



CHRISTIAN BAPTIS^I. 51 

into the Clmrcli of God, as our Lord said to Mco- 
demus.'^ Sot is this necessity taken away by any 
previous — ^real or supposed — descent of the Holy 
Ghost. For, not\rithstanding Saul's conversion, and 
even supposing that any gift of the Holy Ghost to 
Mm preceded his baptism, he was nevertheless bid- 
den to '-'be baptized, and wash away his sins, calling 
on the Sa^^ie of the LoRD.^'f So, hkewise, Cornelius 
and his company were baptized, although the Holy 
Ghost had already fallen upon them. J 

3. Infant Baptism lav:fvl and necessary. 
Having spoken of Baptism, its institution and 
uses, we come, next, to consider its subjects : and, 
as there is no doubt concerning its general lawfulness 
and necessity in the case of Adults, — i. e., where 
Baptism is administered at all, — we will now notice 
these points in their reference to Infants. 

1. TVe have already seen that Infants were ad- 
mitted into the Covenant of God, as made with 
Abraham, and as systematized by the Mosaic Law 

* John iii. 3, 5, 7. 

t Actsix. 17: xxii. 16. 

X Acts X. 44-48. But -^ho does not see that this ^vas designed as a 
token to Peter that he should have them baptized, though they were 
Gentiles ? 



MANUAL FOR SPONSORS. 

and Ritual— those of Jewish parents, by circum- 
cision ; those of heathens, so remaining, or born to 
them before they themselves became proselytes, by 
circumcision, baptism, and a sacrifice. But, this 
Covenant,— in other words, the Church of God— 
although existing under (at least) two Dispensa- 
tions, is one. For, according to St. Paul, the be- 
lieving Gentiles are branches of a wild olive, grafted 
in upon the good olive tree, from which the natural 
branches, the unbeheving Jews, are broken off for 
their unbelief. ^ Yery naturally, we find many points 
of resemblance— answering to each other— in the 
Church of, or under, the Christian and Jewish Dis- 
pensations, respectively:— Bishops, Priests, and Dea- 
cons of the Christian Ministry, to High Priests, 
Priests and Levites; the Eucharist to the Passover; 
and Baptism to Circumcision,— Christ's one Sacrifice 
having fulfilled all that the Jewish sacrifices foresha- 
dowed. But, it is equally natural to look for a like re- 
semblance, in respect of the persons now to be admit- 
ted into the Covenant— into the Christian Church ; 
and that by Baptism, taking the place of Circum- 
cision or succeeding it. Moreover, it would have 
seemed strange and unnatural to the Jews, that 

* Rom. xi. 13-24. 



CHRISTIAN BAPTISM. 53 

their children should be excluded when they them- 
selves were admitted, the Christian Church and Dis- 
pensation thus becoming less comprehensive than the 
Jewish ; and especially after that, in reply to their 
question, " Men and brethren, what shall we do 
St. Peter had said, ''Repent, and be baptized every 
one of you, for the remission of sins, and ye shall 
receive the gift of the Holt Ghost; for, the promise 
is unto you and to your children nay, this rejec- 
tion of their children would have excited a strono: 
prejudice in their minds against Christianity, and 
have been a great obstacle to their conversion. They, 
therefore, who hold Infant Baptism to be, not ac- 
cording to Christ's appointment, but a corruption or 
abuse, although practised by Christians generally 
and for centuries without dispute ; and who, conse- 
quently, set up for Reformers of the Church, are 
bound to show where it is forbidden. For, such was 
the course pursued by the Anghcan Reformers when 
correcting the Romish abuses, superadded to the 
Catholic faith and practice ; as it is pursued by all 
who set out to reform any supposed or alleged or 
real corruption, abuse, or vice whatsoever. f There 

* Acts ii. 38. 

+ Adams' Mercy for Babes, Ch. III. Pt. I, pp. 36-45. 

5* 



MAXUAL FOR SPOXSORS. 

are, it is true, no specified cases of Infant Baptism, 
in the Xew Testament Scriptures. Xor is this to be 
expected, the first converts from Judaism and Hea- 
thenism naturaUy being adults. But we may belieye 

that the Jewish converts would— and did brino^ 

their children with them to Baptism, still following 
the custom of their fathers in the case of proselytes ; 
and what was most likely their own, when they .came 
to J ohn the Baptist, supposing him to be the Christ. 
And where, in either case, is there any prohibition 
of stich behef ? However, that Infant Baptism was 
practised early, before the death of the Apostle, 
John, is evident from the primitive writers of the 
Church ; and their statements are a sufficient as well 
as satisfactory explanation, to what parties Baptism 
was designed to be administered. Such, accordingly, 
being the conclusion reached in respect of Infant 
Baptism, and the reasons for it, the members of the 
Church may the more readily assent to the interpre- 
tation put upon the Gospel, in the pubhc Baptismal 
Service for Infants, even by its introduction as part 
of said service, and comply, " nothing doubting/^ with 
the exhortation which follows, in every respect there 
set forth. 



christian; baptism. 



55 



4. Infant Bajjtism necessary, 

1. It is necessary, as appointed for the remission 
of original sin, in infants. Wherefore, as St. Cyprian 
says, ''If even to the most grievons offenders, and 
who had before sinned mnch against God, when they 
afterward beheve, remission of sins is granted, and 
no one is debarred from Baptism and Grace, how 
much more ought not an infant to be debarred, who, 
being newly born, has in no way sinned, except that 
being born after Adam in the flesh, he has by his 
first birth contracted the contagion of the old death; 
who is, on this very account, more easily admitted 
to receive remission of sins, in that not his own but 
another's sins are remitted to him.^'''' 

2. Again, it is necessary, because there is no other 
mode appointed for the regeneration of infants ; for, 
'' being by nature born in sin, and the children of 
wrath, they are hereby made the children of grace.^'f 

3. It is further necessary, because there is no 
other mode appointed for their admission into the 
Church, wherewith remission of sins and regeneration 

* Ep. IxiY. 5. Oxford, J. H. Parker, 1544. 
+ Catechism, Quest 18, Ans 



MANUAL FOR SPONSORS. 

are connected,— this of our Lord, ^'Except a man 
[one, or any one] be born of Water and of the 
Spirit, he can not enter into the Kingdom of God/' 
including infants.* 

4. It is necessary, finally, because they can not 
otherwise have a title to the promises made to the 
Church, which is the Body of Christ, the Kingdom 
of God, and, of which, being made members, they are 
also made members of Christ, children of God, and 
inheritors of the Kingdom of Heaven.f 

5. The Offices for the Ministration of Baptism. 

Turning to these Offices, which, as members of the 
Church, we are bound to accept as teaching what 
the Church beheves, we there find a confirmation of 
the preceding remarks. 

1. (1.) In the Office for the ministration of Bap- 
tism to infants, and which, following a correct inter- 
pretation of the Rubric, is ''to be used in the 
Church'^ only, we are besought, as "all men are 
conceived and born in sin, and our Saviour Christ 
saith, Xone can enter into the Kingdom of God, 

* John iii. 5. 

t Catechism, Quest. 2, Ans. 



CHRISTIAN BAPTISM. 57 

except lie be regenerate and born anew of water and 
of the Holt Gthost," to call upon G-od the Tather/' 
that He would ''grant to this child that which by 
nature he can not have; that he mar be baptized 
■^ith water and the Holy Ghost, and receiyed into 
Christ's HoIt Church, and made a living ineraher of 
the same.'' (2.) In the first prayer, after a state- 
ment of the fact that, by Christ's Baptism, God did 
sanctify [the element of] water to the mystical 
washing away of sin,*' we beseech Him to "merci- 
fully look upon this child ; to wash him and sanctify 
him with the Holy Ghost; that he, being delivered 
fi'om wrath, may be received into the ark of Christ's 
Church," where we learn that the mystical washing 
and deUverance from wrath are connected with his 
reception into the Church. (3.) In the second 
prayer, ''we call upon God for this infant, that he^ 
coming to holy Baptism, may receive remission of 
sin by spiritual regeneration." (4.) So again, in the 
thanksgiving after the Exhortation upon the Gospel, 
we pray, '' Give Thy Holy Spirit to this infant, that 
he may be born again, and be made an heir of ever- 
lasting salvation."* (5.) And in the last prayer 
before the baptism, we pray for the sanctification of 

* See 2d Ans. Catechism. 



58 MANUAL FOR SPONSORS. 

'^THis water to the mystical washing away of sin," 
and that this child now to be baptized therein may 
receive the fuhiess of grace, and ever remain [where 
he is now to be placed] in the number of Thy faith- 
ful children." (6.) After the baptism, the baptized 
child is declared ''regenerate and grafted into the 
Body of Christ's Chm^ch;" and (t) we heartily 
thank God, '' that it hath pleased Him to regenerate 
this infant with His Holy Spirit,'^ &c. 

And, that (8) these effects — as summed up in the 
idea of regeneration, not including that of perse- 
verance — are supposed by the Chm^ch to be connected 
with the Baptism ministered, and not dependent on 
any spiritual instrument ahty or efficacy of preceding 
TOWS, promises, or professions, would seem to appear 
from the Office for Private Baptism, according to 
which, immediately after the baptism, and no ques- 
tions having been asked, no vows, promises, or pro- 
fessions made, the same thanksgiving is offered, as 
just noticed ; that is, for this infant's regeneration 
by the Holy Spirit, his adoption as God's child^ and 
his incorporation into God's holy Chm'ch.'^ Then, 
at the certification, which is to follow, ''if the child 
after this sort baptized do afterwards hve,'' the 

* See page 14. 



CHRISTIAN BAPTIS:^!. 59 

second Rubric orders tlie Minister to receive him 
as one of the flock of true Christian people/^ as 
having been dulv baptized, and being '-'now by 
Baptism incorporated into the Christian Clinrch; 
for," says this certification, ''our Lord Jesus Christ 
doth not deny His grace and mercy to such infants/^ 
&c. Accordingly, in the Exhortation upon the 
Gospel, the Sponsors are noTv told, not to doubt that 
Christ ''hath likewise favourably received this 
present infant; that He hath embraced him with 
the arms of His mercy; and, as He hath promised 
in His holv word, will grive unto him the blessino^ 
of eternal life, and make hi'm ijartaler of His ever- 
lasting kingdom." That is, again, we learn first, 
what took place at the Baptism; and secondly, what 
encouragement there is for Sponsors undertaking for 
the child ^ as set forth in the remaining portions of 
this Supplementary Office, which have regard to the 
training and life of the child heretofore baptized and 
already regenerate. According to the Enghsh form 
of certification, the child is spoken of as now, by 
the laver of regeneration in Baptism, received into 
the number of the children of Gon and heirs of ever- 
lasting life." 



60 MANUAL FOR SPONSORS. 

2. Turning to the Office for Adult Baptism, we 
find that similar remarks apply to adults baptized, 
except that (1) according to the opening Rubrics, 
the J shall be examined " whether they be sufficiently 
instructed in the principles of the Christian religion/' 
and ''exhorted to prepare themselves, with prayers 
and fasting, for the receiving of this holy Sacrament;" 
that (2) ''they shall be found fit;" that faith and 
repentance are presupposed in them, as bringing 
them to Baptism, and preparing them for it. For, 
in the Exhortation upon the Gospel, the people 
present are told, "Doubt ye not, but earnestly 
believe that God will favourably receive these present 
2oersons, (3) truly repenting and coming to Him by 
faith;" and "that (4) He will grant them remission 
of sins, and (5) bestow upon them the Holy Ghost." 
After which, we pray, (6) " Give Thy Holy Spirit 
to these jyersons, that they may be born again, and 
be made heirs of everlasting salvation; whilst (7) 
after the Baptism, they are declared "regenerate," 
and (8) in the final prayer are spoken of as " being 
now born again." 



CHRISTIAN BAPTISM, 



61 



I 6. Concluding Remarks, 

From all that precedes, we liave reason to con- 
clude that, in the judgment of the ChmTh, since all 
men are conceived and born in sin, and therefore 
need something which, by nature, they can not have, 
and wherefore by Divine appointment they must 
come or be brought to Baptism, they that receive 
Baptism rightly are grafted into the Church ; the 
promises of the forgiveness of sin and of our adoption 
to be the sons of God by the Holy Ghost, are 
I visibly signed and sealed ; faith is confirmed and 
grace increased by virtue of prayer unto Gob," as 
says the XXYII. article. 

From this conclusion, however, some who are 
baptized may infer, and some, who dissent from the 
aforesaid conclusion, actually charge us with holding, 
That the baptized must necessarily be saved. The 
inference is wrong, and the charge unjust. For, not 
only does Scripture warn Christians, the baptized, to 
make this their calling and election sure," and to 
work out their salvation with fear and trembling"* 
— thus implying, and elsewhere directly teaching, f 
that the baptized may lose their inheritance ; but, 

* 2 Pet. i. 10; Phil. ii. 12. t Heb. vi. 4-6. 

6 



62 MANUAL FOR SPOXSORS. 

tlie Chiirch also, therefore, implies and repeats this 
warning thronghout all her Offices, especially in 
those appointed for the ministration of Baptism. 
Eor, in the case of Infant Baptism, we pray, in the 
first prayer, (1) that the baptized child, 'Moeing 
steadfast in faith, joyful through hope, and rooted in 
charity, ^iay so pass through the waves of this 
troublesome world, that finally he iiAY come to the 
land of everlasting life in the second, (2) ''that he 
:may enjoy the everlasting benediction of God's heav- 
enly washing, and i.iay come to the eternal kingdom 
which He hath promised by Christ our Lord f in 
the last before Baptism, (3) that he z^iAY^'ever 
remain in the number of His faithful children." 
Again, (4) '' TVe sign him with the sign of the cross, 
in token that hereafter — following his Baptism — he 
shall not be ashamed '''to continue Christ's 

faithful soldier and servant unto his life's end.'' Then 

(5) we are taught to ''make our prayers unto God, 
that this child :may lead the rest of 7i 25 life according 
to this beginning ;*' and concluding with the prayer, 

(6) "that he, being dead unto sin, and hviug unto 
righteousness, and being buried with Christ in His 
death, ^iay crucify the old man, and utterly abolish 
the whole body of sin, and that as he is made par- 



CHRISTIAN BAPTISM. 63 

talcer of tlie death of God's Sox, he may also be 
partaker of His resurrection ; so that, finally, with 
the residue of God's holy Church, he may be an 
inheritor of His everlasting kingdom." 

The Office for Adult Baptism speaks in like man- 
ner, to quote only the following from the final 
prayer : Give Thy Holy Spirit to these persons ; 
that being now born again, and made heirs of ever- 
lasting salvation ^ ^ they may continue Thy 
servants, and attain Thy promises."* The Church 
does not, indeed, speak directly, in these Offices, of 
the possibility of losing the promises and- eternal 
life ; and apparently for this reason, that, whilst such 
possibility is imphed, She would direct the chief 
attention of the baptized to their blessings and 
privileges, rather than to the loss of them ; would 
now rather have them look forward to what is yet to 
be done and attained, than look back to the wrath 
from which they have so far escaped ; would excite 
them to the ^^ove" which ^'casteth out fear," and 
not renew the ''fear" which ''hath torment."t At 
the same time, however, we are taught to pray that 

* See Exhortations to the sponsors and to the baptized, respectively, 
in the two Offices. Also Catechism, Ans. 4, 9, and last. Articles ix., 
xyI., xxy. 

t 1 John iv. 18. 



^4 MANUAL FOR SPONSORS. 

we finally lose not the things eternal/' and fail 
not finally to attain the heavenly promises/' in the 
Collects for the 4th and 13th Snnday after Trinity. 

But one remark more, pointing at some possible 
objections, and this part of our subject will be con- 
cluded. Observe, then, that hitherto the attempt 
has been made to state aflarmatively the law of our 
regeneration, and as connected with Baptism; not 
the possible exceptions under that law, and with 
which we have nothing to do. For, the remarks of 
the present Manual are strictly addi^essed to such as 
are members of the Church, having, or having had, 
every opportunity of being duly baptized ; and who, 
therefore, come strictly under the rule. Equally 
natural is it that the subject of renovation'' should 
not have been noticed ; although, to obviate discus- 
sion, the following prayers shall be quoted : Al- 
mighty God, ^ ^ grant that we, being regenerate 
and made Thy children by adoption and grace, may 
daily be renewed by Thy Holy Spirit." Again, 
Grant us the true circumcision of the Spirit, that, 
our hearts and all our members being mortified from 
all worldly and carnal lusts, we may in all things 
obey Thy blessed will." As see the Collects for 
Christmas Day, and the Festival of the Circumcision. 



CHRISTIAN BAPTISM. 65 

And, would we but attentiyelj examine the Collects, 
indeed the whole Prayer Book, we must see how 
little room there is for many popular objections, 
which originate in the confounding of one doctrine 
with another. 

6* 



PAET II. 

I.— THE NECESSITY OF CHRISTIAN INSTEUOTION. 

Baptism being '^generally necessary to salvation/' 
and its effects such, as heretofore stated, its minis- 
tration and reception are in no case to be omitted, 
when there is an opportunity for both. And neither 
its necessity nor its beneficial effects are ignored by 

4 

a plausible and too common objection, which tends 
to do away with all Baptism whatsoever. The ob- 
jection is implied in the following question : ' How 
comes it to pass that so many children do afterward 
fall off to all impurity V I answer, so do too many 
grown persons also ; and neither infants nor men are 
so regenerated in this life as absolutely to extinguish 
the concupiscence : for, the flesh will still lust against 
the Spirit ; but then God gives the Spirit also to 
lust against the flesh. He leaves the corruption, 
to try and exercise us ; but so that He engageth to 
enable us to get the better through this new nature 
implanted in us, if we will improve it, and follow the 
dictates of the Holy Spirit ; but by neglect, or 

* Gal. V. 17. 



NECESSITY OF CHRISTIAN INSTRUCTION. 67 

wilful complying with the fleshy we may lose this 
grace again. Our gracious Father hath already 
done His part, and will do it more and more, as the 
child shall be capable and willing to receive it; and 
if this seems strange to any whose opinions are taken 
up from later definitions of regeneration, let them 
dispute with holy CyiDiian, (not with me,) who 
saith, ' The grace of God is equally distributed in 
Baptism, but it may either be diminished or increased 
afterward, by our acts and conversation.^ The sum 
is, That Baptism doth seal a pardon to us for all 
former transgressions, and begets us again to the 
hope of eternal life ; that it restores us to the favour 
of GrOD, and gives us a new relation to Him ; and, 
finally, it heals our nature by the Spirit hereby con- 
veyed to us : and, though all this be on condition of 
our keeping our part of the covenant, yet that makes 
not GrOD^s mercy less, nor ought it to diminish any 
of our praises, but only it must make our prayers at 
present more earnest, and the child's care hereafter 
more strict, to make this 'its calling and election 
sure.' As then we pray for the baptized, infants 
and adults, that ike^ may lead the rest of their life 
according to this beginning/' adults being exhorted, 

* Comber, p. 435. 



68 MANUAL rOR SPONSORS. 

and infants requiring to be nurtured, accordingly, in 
order that being ''partakers of the Divine nature," 
they may grow up into ''perfect men in Christ 
and, as infants especially must needs be trained to 
do, as well as taught to know, their duty in this 
regard, some one, or more, must undertake this 
office. In a general way, it belongs to the Church, 
but has been, and is, necessarily assigned by Her to 
certain persons who shall act as Her ministers or 
subordinates in this matter. Hence, the Sponsorial 
Office, and whatsoever appertains thereto. 



II. — THE sponsorial OFFICE. 
1. Its History, 

1. Points of resemblance between the Jewish and 
the Christian Church have already been mentioned, 
together with certain Baptisms ministered in the 
former under certain circumstances, as in the case 
of adult proselytes, of infants exposed by their 
heathen parents, and the like.f I^ow, when such 
persons or infants were to be received into the com- 



* 2 Pet. i. 4; Col. i. 28. 
t Pages 45, 46. 



THE SPOXSORIAL OFFICE. 69 

munion of tlie Clinrcli, as Jews, and trained accord- 
ingly : and y-lien, according to custom, tiiey were 
received with Baptism, Circnmcision, and a Sacrifice; 
as, moreover, the Mosaic Law strictly enjoined that 
its statutes and judgments should be taught, espe- 
cially to the young, ^-^ ''infants not being able to 
profess for themselves, were baptized, at the request 
of the father if living, and of the mother, if the father 
were dead, upon the profession of the house of 
judgment (or court) : that is, the three men have 
the care of the Baptism, according to the law of the 
Baptism of proselytes, which requires three men, 
who do so become to the infants a father. All 
males under thirteen years and a day, and all females 
under twelve years and a day, were considered 
minors or infants, unable to profess for themselves, 
and were baptized as just stated. -'f 

The Court, or House of Judgment, therefore, stood 
to the baptized, in a relation, similar to that of our 
Sponsors ; whilst some also suppose that the Wit- 
nesses, at the naming of Isaiah's son, were of this 
character. J 

* Deut. ri. 7 ; xi. 19 : Ps. ixriii. 2-T. 
t Wall Hist. Inf. Bap. In trod. § iii. 

* Isaiah viii. 2. 



70 MANUAL rOR SPONSORS. 

Isow, ^'tlie Jews,'^ Joseplins tells us, were also 
above all things careful that their children might be 
instructed in the Law ; to which end they had in 
every village a person called the Instructor of 
Babes, (to which St. Paul seems to allude,) whose 
business it was to teach children the Law till they 
were ten years of age, and from thence till they were 
fifteen, to instruct them in the Talmud. Grotius 
tells us, that at thirteen they were brought to the 
house of God, in order to be publicly examined ; 
and, being approved, were then declared to be 
Children of the Precept, i, e.^ they were obhged to 
keep the Law, and were from thenceforth answerable 
for their own sins."* Thus much as respects the 
Jews and Jewish proselytes. 

2. Passing on to the Church of the Christian 
Dispensation, as parents are the natural guardians 
of theu' children, we find that St. Paul, when 
enumerating the duties of the members of the Church 
towards each other, says to ''Fathers, provoke not 
your children to wrath ; but bring them up in the 
nurture and admonition of the Lord,"f the necessity 

* Wheatley on Com. Prayer, Ch. yiii. (Joseph. Antiq. Bk, 4, c. S ; 
Eom. ii. 20.) 
t Eph. Ti. 4. 



THE SPOXSORIAL OF.FICE. 71 

of their religions training being implied. And, 
assuredly, it must liave been strange if now there 
had been less prorision for the instruction of Chris- 
tian, than there was formerly for that of Jewish, 
children. 

3. But, as parents might neglect their duty, as 
children might ]3e without parents who could or 
would perform it ; as, for example, in the case of 
those exposed on the highways by the heathen; the 
Christian Church likewise took order respecting this 
matter, and appointed that certain persons, whether 
parents or others, should stand in the relation of 
Sponsors to the baptized, and see to their religious 
training. According to Bingham, " there were three 
sorts of Sponsors made use of in the primitive 
Church : 1. For children who could not renounce, 
or profess, or answer for themselves. 2. For such 
adult persons, as by reason of sickness or infirmity, 
were in the same condition with children incapacita- 
ted to answer for themselves. 3. For all adult 
persons in general. For, the Church required Spon- 
sors also for those who were otherwise qualified to 
make their own responses.'^ 

]Srext, we may remark that, whilst the ancient 



72 MANUAL FOR SPONSORS. 

canons varied somewhat as to particulars, yet it 
seems to liaye been a very general rule " to have but 
one Sponsor for each individual ; a man — a Dea- 
con — -for a man ; a woman— a Deaconess — ^for a 
woman ; but, parents — ^if they would act for their 
children ; masters, for thek slaves ; the holy vkgins 
for children exposed ; and charitable persons (prob- 
ably of either sex) for children whose parents were 
dead;^ 

Then, as for the duties of Sponsors, these — as 
respecting infants — ^were, (1) ''to answer in their 
names at Baptism, and (2) not only by example, 
but by word and instruction, to teach them the 
great duties of chastity, humility, sobriety, and 
peace, forasmuch as they had answered in their 
stead, that they renounced the devil, his pomps and 
his works. — In the cases of adults incapacitated from 
answering for themselves, — as where persons intend- 
ing to be baptized, were taken ill, became frenzied, 
or speechless, in consequence, — responses were made 
for them as for children ; and in the event of their 
recovery, the sponsors were to acquaint them, as 
witnesses, with what had been done for them, and as 
guardians of their good behaviour, to induce them to 
make good the promises, which they, in their name, 



THE SPONSORIAL OFFICE. 73 

had made for them/' And it seems that such adults 
as were too dull and heavy to learn, were baptized 
with the same formalities as children, whom they re- 
sembled.^' — All other adults answered for themselves, 
their sponsors being ''curators and guardians of their 
spiritual life ; and required to take care of their in- 
struction and morals, as well before as after Bap- 
tism." 

Finally, in ancient times, no persons were ''ex- 
cluded from this office, except catechumens, energn- 
mens, heretics, and penitents ; that is, persons who 
either were yet never in full communion with the 
Church, as being themselves unbaptized ; or else 
such as had forfeited the privileges of their baptism 
and Church-communion by their errors, or crimes, or 
incapacity to assist others, who needed assistance 
themselves. And by some canons, persons who were 
never confirmed, were excluded from being sponsors 
both in Baptism and Confirmation.'^"^ 

4. Passing on to the times of King Edward VI., 
in the Baptismal Offices of his Liturgies, Godfathers 
and Godmothers are named in the Rubrics, also 
styled " sureties,'' in the exhortation preceding the 

* Bingham's Christian Antiquities, Book xi. ch. yiii. 
7 



'^'4 MANUAL FOR SFOXSORS. 

answers made by tliem in the name of the children 
to be baptized. 

And in the Confirmation Office (as in the Cate- 
chism) said persons have the former designation, the 
Rubric ordering that, ^'they (children) shall be 
brought to the Bishop by one that shall be his God- 
father or Godmother, that every child may have a 
mtness of his confirmation. ^'"^ 

The Rubric, just quoted, is still retained, in nearly 
the same words, after the Catechism in the present 
Prayer Book of the Church of England, whilst in 
the Office for ''the Ministration of Public Baptism 
of Infants'^ it is ordered that, "There shall be for 
every male child to be baptized, two Godfathers and 
one Godmother ; and for every female, one God- 
father and two Godmothers.^^ The XXIXth of the 
English Canons, agreed upon in Synod, a. d. 1603, 
moreover, orders that, "no parent shall be urged to 
be present, nor be admitted as godfather to his own 
child ; ^ ^ neither shall any person be admitted 
godfather or godmother to any child at christening 
or confirmation, before the said person so undertak- 
ing hath received the Holy Communion/'^ — In the 
case of Adult Baptism, the Office appointed simply 

* Cardwell's Two Liturgies of Edward YI., pp. 825, ss., and M8. 



THE SPOXSORIAL OFFICE. 75 

mentions Goclfafners and Godmothers, altliough, 
doubtless, the principle of the Rnbric and Canon 
last quoted determines, what, and how many, per- 
sons shall act in any way as Sponsors. 

In the American Book of Common Prayer, the 
Rubrics of the English Baptismal Offices are in 
effect repeated, with the following dii^ection from the 
English Eubrics and Canon, viz., that there shall be 
Godfathers and Godmothers, ''when they can be 
had and parents shall be admitted as Sponsors, 
if desired.'' 

So that, here, the Rubric permits us to adopt one 
of three courses, according to circtimstances. 1. To 
have three Sponsors other than the parents, — if the 
former ''can be had,'' and the latter do not desire to 
^Mdc admitted as Sponsors.''"^ 2. The parents and 
one other — if the former desire to "be admitted'' 
and the latter " can be had."' 3. The parents alone, 
— if they desire to "be admitted," and no other 
" can be had." 

In the Office for ministering Baptism to Adults, 
Godfathers and Godmothers only — also styled, Wit- 
nesses, — are mentioned in the Rubrics ; although 



* This Tvoulcl include those cases also in vrhich parents are dead : and 
where they refuse to act, but consent to others' acting in their stead. 



<^ MAXUAX FOR SPONSORS. 

here also the principle of the first Eubric, regulating 
this matter in the case of infants, is again supposed 
to indicate what, and how many, persons shall act. 

Such, in brief, seems to be the general history 
of the Sponsorial Office, perhaps, from the tmie 
of Isaiah to the present day ; so far as that his- 
tory, in the way of setting forth a precedent to be 
respected by us, bears upon the question of its pre- 
sent lawfulness and propriety, the various changes 
that have occurred and still appear in respect of the 
nunlber and character of Sponsors being referable 
to discipline, under which head, rather than that of 
doctrine, the whole matter is mostly to be con- 
sidered. 

2. Sjjonsorial duties toioards Lifants baptized. 

Since the duties of Godfathers and Grodmothers 
naturally differ according as they stand for Infants, 
or with Adults, at their Baptism, to learn what 
these duties are from the Baptismal Ofiaces, we shall 
be obliged to consider the latter separately. Xor 
will it be inappropriate, in view of the purpose for 
which these remarks are presented, to address what 
follows, more directly to such as are, or may be, in- 
terested in the duties aforesaid. And reference will 



THE SPOXSORIAL OFFICE. 77 

be liad to the cases, in Vnicli others than parents, 
''where they can be had/*' act as Sponsors, parents 
themselves, when acting in this character, being 
considered as having all the sponsorial, superadded 
to their otherwise parental, duties. 

1. Having determined, then, thns to act, yon first 
answer negatively to the question with which the 
ministration of Baptism beghis, ''Hath tins child 
been already baptized or no ?" thns enforcing the 
prmciple that, as there is "one Lord, one Faith, 
one Baptism,'' "so, no child ought to be baptized 
twice. And both the minister and congregation 
are admonished to be very serions and devout now 
in behalf of the present infant, since it can never 
have the like opportunity for its purification."^ 

2. Following the exhortation and the prayers^ 
you, as well as the congregation, are taught, by the 
Chiu'ch, from the Gospel appointed, that this good 
work of presenting and baptizing a child is allowed 
of GrOD the Father, and of Christ, by being made a 
member of TVhom, it is also made "a child of God;"' 
and that, therefore, you should go on with your 
part of this good work, "'nothing doubting." And, 

* Comber. Ephes. iy. 5. 



MANUAL FOR SPOXSORS. 

althougli the blessings apiDomted to be deriyed to 
the child through its Baptism, are no Tvise hindered 
or lessened bj any defect of faith, or of other fitness, 
in you its presenters, you are here encouraged to 
act in full faith ; and so doing, haye reason to look 
for such blessings on youi^selyes also as will enable 
jou to accomphsh what you now undertake and 
begin. 

3. God's part m the coyenant, into which the 
child is to be entered with Him by Baptism, haying 
been stated, you are then called upon to jDromise in 
the child's name— /^e being unable to answer for 
himself— th^i he will keep his part of the same 
coyenant, on the doing of which the effectual blessino- 
of God so largely depends as respects his Christian 
life and final salvation, yiz. : that ''he will renounce 
the deyil and all his works ; the yain pomp and 
glory of this wicked world, with all covetous desires 
of the same, and all the smful desires or lusts of 
the flesh ; that he will believe God's holy Word, all 
the Articles of the Christian Faith as contained in 
the Apostles' Creed ; that he wiH obediently keep 
•God's holy will and commandments, and walk in 
the same all the days of his life/' as yariously 



THE SPOXSORIAL OFFICE. 79 

expressed in the Exhortation to the Preface of the 
covenant, the Interrogatories, and the Catechism. 
In other words, Repentance, Faith, and Obedience, 
are promised in his name. And von are not only 
told that this promise is reqnired of you, but you 
make it, before God and the congregation, in the 
most solemn manner, vrhen you answer to the 
questions here put to you by His ministers, of 
^vhom St. Paul says, that they are ^^ambassadors 
for Christ ; as though God did beseech by them, 
praying men in Christ's stead to be reconciled to 

GOD^'^ 

4. All the prehminary steps to the ministration 
of the Baptism hare now been taken ; and, as the 
Godfathers and Godmothers, you are next required 
to ^^name this child.'' It was customary among the 
Jews to name a child at his circumcision : as, in the 
case of Isaac, John the Baptist, and likewise of 
Jesus. At the institution of circumcision, Abram's 
name was changed to Abraham, and that of Sarai 
to Sarah. So, Saul of Tarsus, as a Christian, was 
known by the name of Paul.f Xow, '^this name 

* 2 Cor. T. 20. 

t Gen. xxi. 2, 3: Luke ii. 59, 60: 21 ; Gen. XYii. 5, 1.5; Acts xiii 2, 9; 
"Wbeatley, ch. vii. § 2. 



80 MANUAL FOR SPONSORS. 

(tliongh it may be priyatelY resolved upon by the 
relations, vet it) must be dictated by the Godfather, 
the Tvitness of the Xew Bh^th, the sm^ety who 
engageth the child shall lead a new life ; and then 
solemnly given by the Minister, because he is in 
GoD's stead, TTho we hope will give it a new 
nature also. TVe derive one name together with 
original guilt from our parents, which oug^ht to 
humble us, and mind us of om' being born in sin. 
But, this new name we receive at our regeneration 
to admonish us of our new buih, and our heavenly 
kindred. This Christian name was given us when 
we were hsted under Christ's banner, and it is a 
badge that we belong to God, so that as often as 
we hear it. we should remember the vow then made 
in our behalf. The custom of old was to write the 
soldier's name upon his shield, by which he was 
engaged in honour not to lose that shield, unless he 
lost his life. Even so hath God given ns our name 
and our faith together, so that, if we apostatize, our 
name will be our eternal infamy. TTe have a new 
name ; let us walk worthy of it and lead a new life, 
either striving to make- our name exemplary if there 
be no Saint of it, or else labouring to be like those 
of om- ancestors or of God's Saints, who have worn 



THE SPONSORIAL OFFICE. 81 

it worthily before ns ; so shall it be recorded not 
only in the Churches Register, but in the Book of 
Life, and stand there foreyer.""^ 

4. The Baptism having now been administered, 
after appointed prayers, there is rehearsed in few 
words what the baptized child ''hath promised by 
you his sureties,^' and the exhortation proceeds to 
state what are yom^ duties towards him from this 
time forward. (1.) And first, you are bidden to 
remember,'^— to bear in mind continually your 
^' parts and duties,'' whilst they are yours and until 
they are performed and completed. You are not 
to suppose that whatsoever has hitherto been done 
by you, when answering for the child and presenting 
him at the font, is a mere form involving no further 
relations to the baptized, and no obligations. You 
have solemnly, and before witness on earth and in 
Heaven, of your own free will, bound yourselves by 
a vow from which there is no release until its obli- 
gations have been met. You must therefore ''re- 
member'' what has been done and what there yet 
remains to do. That is, (2.) ''to see that this in- 
fant be taught, so soon as he shall be able to learn, 

* Gen. XXV. 25; Pwuth iv. IT; Luke i. 59; Comber. 



82 MANUAL FOR SPONSORS. 

what a solemn vow, promise and profession he hath 
here made by you." ^s'o matter, whether yon, or 
the parents, or others act as teachers, yon are to 
see that the child is tanght, yom'selves making con- 
tinual inquiry into his progress. You are to use 
yom- utmost diligence when the duty of thus teach- 
ing falls upon you personally ; or, if not, and parents 
or others are neglectful, to admonish them . of this 
their duty, always and in all cases seeing that it be 
done. And, it is here believed that, were children 
duly taught, not only what is their duty towards 
God and His law, as moral and accountable bemgs, 
but what moreover is their covenant relation, in 
which they already stand towards Him, instead of 
being practically led into the supposition that they 
are but as heathens, they would more generally and 
actually proceed as they began at their Baptism, 
and with less necessity for the marked change which 
is designated by the word, conversion. (3.) This 
understood then, as to your duty generally, you are 
to proceed; and, ''that this child may know the 
better" what he hath vowed, promised and professed 
at his Baptism, '^ye shall call upon Mm to hear ser- 
mons.'^ Which, doubtless, means that, you shall see 
to his attending the services of the Church, and 



THE SPONSORIAL OFFICE. 83 

that he hearkens to the instructions there given him 
directly or as one of the congregation, by readings 
from God's Word* and by '-sermons'' so called. It 
is a great mistake to defer the bringing of children 
to church until they reach that very indefinite age, 
when they know how to behave," as some say. It 
is hardly possible that they can be brought too 
young. A silent influence is exerted, and a habit 
formed, which— as many who have been accustomed 
to attend the services of God's House from their 
earliest days, can testify— last in their effect through 
life ; and even where unhappily the subjects have 
fallen far from the strictness and regularity and rev- 
erence of their childhood. And, it is a mere as- 
sumption that, the services and the sermon beino- 

o 

above the com^Drehension of the very young, no im- 
pression is made upon their minds by the solemnities 
they witness, and what they hear from the desk and 
pulpit. They are not such inattentive spectators 
and hearers as is sometimes supposed. A passage 
of Scripture, or a comment upon some one of its 
parables or histories, in an ordinary sermon, al- 
though not particularly addressed to them, is often 
noticed ; and, if for the present forgotten, in after 

* Acts XV. 21. 



84 MANUAL FOR SPONSORS. 

years is remembered. Hsov need we wait for the 
reviving memories of after years, if you as Sponsors 
do your duty at once, dii^ecting attention to what is 
uttered, training them up to believe that they are 
brought to God's House to worship, to hear and be 
instructed. The Clergy themselves will also bear in 
mind that, of such httle ones their congregations are 
largely composed, and shape their instructions ac- 
cordingly, — both those which are given in general 
course, and those given in compHance with the fol- 
lowing Rubric, which Sponsors are likewise to re- 
member. The Minister of every Parish shall upon 
Sundays and Holy Days, or upon some other con- 
venient occasions, openly in the Church, instruct or 
examine as many children of his Parish, sent unto 
him, as he shall think convenient in some part of 
this Catechism." 

(4.) Such being the general duty of instruction 
on the part of Sponsors, you are chiefly to provide 
that the baptized child may learn the Creed, the 
Lord's Prayer, and the Ten Commandments, and all 
other things which a Christian ought to know and 
beheve to his soul's health." — ^This learning of the 
aforesaid portions of the Catechism requires no fur- 
ther notice here than, that it respects the articles 



0^ 



THE SPONSORIAL OFFICE. 85 

of that faitli and obedience to wMcli the baptized 
are already pledged, and a habit of prayer — in our 
Lord's own words — for that grace which alone can 
produce and continue the obedience of a living faith, 
in even the regenerate. Although it niav be added 
that, the objection to children's presence in the 
Church, while very young, on the ground of their 
not being able to comprehend what they hear, must 
apply here also ; and, is sufficiently answered by 
saying that, if perfect comprehension of what is 
taught from the Scriptures and the Formularies of 
the Church is to be the rule, adults as well as chil- 
dren must be excluded : for, there are many mys- 
teries connected with our rehgion which can not be 
understood, but only known as revealed, and there- 
fore must simply be beheved, and practically ad- 
mitted. — You have also to remember that what the 
baptized child is thus taught is ''for his soul's 
health f so that, it can not be a rnatter of indiffer- 
ence, in view of this end, viz., the present soundness 
of the soul in order to its final salvation, whether he 
be instructed or not : but, it has been determined 
that, there should and shall be right instruction, 
part whereof, at least, is mcluded in the Catecheti- 
cal teaching already noticed as enjomed upon you, 
8 



86 MAXUAL FOR SPOXSORS. 

And, indeed, would any but heartily adopt the 
Creed, sincerely keep the Commandments, being 
aided by that grace which, we may well believe, 
God will bestow in answer to the prayer provided 
for us by His Son to be addressed to Him, we can 
not see how they should come far short, if at all, of 
that character and conduct which are well-pleasing 
in His sight.— However, you are not to limit such 
instructions to the particulars already named, but to 
include " all other thmgs which a Christian ought 
to know and believe.'^ What then are these other 
things ? All such, undoubtedly, as tend to the edi- 
fication of the Christian, his growth in the Body of 
Christ Who is our example. And, as your Spon- 
sorial duties cease when your spiritual wards shall 
have been confirmed, these " other things'^ may be 
supposed to include all that is required of the bap- 
tized previous to Confimation ; of which more in 
due course. 

5. Should you now conclude that, when the 
Catechism has been learned, or is in course of beins' 
learned, by the pupil under your dii'ections or 
instructions, yom^ duty has been completely per- 
formed ; and this, we fear, is too common an 
impression, to the prejudice of the Church in the 



THE SPOXSORIAL OFFICE. 87 

estimation of many — ''remember/'^ that yon liave 
still fm-tlier to proTicle'' — ''''that this child may be 
Yii'tnonsly bronglit np to lead a godly and a Chris- 
tian life.'' With the teaching of Creeds, Command- 
ments, and the Kke. we have no right whatever to 
dispense. That is settled. But, it would be an 
error equally great, — and, considering the case of 
the servant who knew his Lord's will, but did it not, 
fraught with awful consequences, — did Sponsors 
suppose, and therefore convey the impression to 
their wards, that nothing more than the learning 
heretofore commended is required. You are not, 
therefore, to rest satisfied with the oral or other 
instruction given as enjoined. This is to have a 
practical result, influencing the whole life of the 
baptized, on earth. You are, consequently, to 
''provide,'' that ''this child be virtuously brought 
up,'*' — in other words, that he be trained up in some 
way in which he ought to go, and habituated to 
walk therein. Although it may, or need, not be 
doubted that, the very fact of a Baptism ministered, 
which introduces its subject into the number of 
Gtod's children, (and, apart from the spiritual effects 
of the rite itself.) gives him a covenant title to 
blessings promised all such as are baptized — which 



88 MANUAL FOR SPONSORS. 

God is now only tlie more willing to confer,— yet 
does the spiritnal life of tlie regenerate, now begun, 
require as much nm'turing as the natural life of 
every one born into this world, and must not be any 
more neglected. The child is not to grow up, 
somehow, by chance, but to be ^Mor ought up;'' 
which unplies nurture, care, and guidance, — the 
instruction given, showing what he must do in order 
to a full and matm^e spiritual growth ; and the 
bringing-up including such action. And, although 
no other can well be supposed m this connection, 
still the Chm^h appomts that this brmging-up shall 
be virtuous,'^ a requisition which, because of many 
doubtful explanations of the word, virtue, is further 
and more strictly defined. The child is to '-'be 
brought up to lead a godly Kfe f a God-like'* life, 
as evidencing that he is ''a partaker of the Divine 
natm-e," to become by help thereof as ''perfect'^ 
man, ''as our Father in Heaven is perfect'^ God. 
And, that this is not a merely abstract, unpractical 
perfectness of an invisible life within, there is added 
that, this ''godly'' life must be "Christian" also. 
The will of man, made to agree with the will of 
God, is then to be exhibited outwardly in action, 
after Christ's example, and in obedience to His 



THE SPOXSORIAL OFriCE. 89 

laws as these regulate the actions of body, soul and 
spirit, every duty, enjoined as due to God and one's 
neighbour, being included. Xor is this all. But, the 
baptized child is thus to be brought and trained, 
remembering always, that Baptism doth represent 
unta us our profession'^ therein made ; which is, 
to follow the example of our Saviour Christ, and to 
be made like unto Him ; that as — on the one hand 
— He died and rose again for us, so — on the other 
— should we, who are baptized, die from sin, and 
rise again unto righteousness f which death from 
sin is exhibited effectually by our ''continually 
mortifying all our evil and corrupt affections f as is 
the rising again unto righteousness, by our " daily 
proceeding in all virtue and godhness of living.'' 
All this is what the child is to be taught to remem- 
ber through instructions given as to the nature of 
that Baptism which he has received, and of the 
religious profession lie therein, even if unconsciously, 
made, and to be exemplified in a life consistent 
therewith. 

6. The foregoing Exhortation ended, as stating 
the duties obhgatory upon Sponsors for children, 
there is added one other direction, as follows. Te 
8* 



MANUAL -FOR SPONSORS. 

are to take care that this child be brought to the 
Bishop to be confirmed bj him, so soon as he can 
say the Creed, the Lord's Prayer, and the Ten 
Commandments, and is sufficiently instructed in the 
other parts of the Church Catechism set forth for 
that purpose. 

'Now, as these " other parts" include explanations 
of the Creed, the Lord's Prayer, the Ten Com- 
mandments, and the Sacraments, as of faith and 
repentance previous to or following upon the recep- 
tiotf of the latter, the ability to say the Creed, the 
Lord's Prayer, and the Commandments," does not 
determine the time for Confirmation ; for, the ad- 
ditional and " sufficient instruction" would still be 
wanting. Has this, then, been given when the child 
can say" the whole Catechism ? 

In reply to this question, it might be answered 
that, no such child with such preparation, which 
may be attained at a very early age, would be 
allowed to make the Baptismal vows for hi7nself 
without Sponsors ; and how, then, these same vows 
as renewed in Confirmation ? 

Again, were this latter rite, as administered, only 
a means of grace, through prayer and imposition of 
hands of the Bishop, and not also a covenantmg act 



THE SPONSORIAL OFFICE. 



91 



on the part of those confirmed who now renew their 
vows, its ministration might follow immediately upon 
that of Baptism, if the Bishop were present ; and 
in such case, the Church would doubtless hare still 
provided for Sponsors at Confirmation ; whereas, in 
this country, there is no such provision, every person 
confirmed answering for himself, without either 
Sponsor or Witness. Otherwise, it is probable that 
another peculiarity of the Confirmation Office, as 
given in King Edward's Liturgies, would have been 
retained ; that is, the rite would partake more of 
the nature of a benediction, no c^uestion being put 
to the parties confirmed at the time of their Con- 
firmation. 

But, in the Preface to Confirmation, wherein is 
contained a Catechism for children,'^ as set forth in 
even the above Liturgies, we read concerning this 
rite that, ''it is most meet to be ministered when 
children come to that age, that partly by the frailty 
of their own flesh, partly by the assaults of the 
world and the devil, they begin to be in danger to 
fall into sin,'^ or ''into sundry kinds of sin.'^ And 
this undoubtedly pomts at a later period of their 
lives than that referred to in the Rubrical admoni- 
tion to '' the People, that they defer not the Baptism 



MANTAL FOR SPONSORS. 

of tlieii' cliildren longer than the first or seeond Sun- 
dar next after theb l^irth, or other Holy Day fallmg 
between, nnless upon great and reasonable cause/^— 
as given in the opening Rubric of the Private Bap- 
tismal Office, in oui' Prayer Book. Such later pe- 
riod is still fui'ther designated in the following sec- 
tion of the Preface above quoted. After stating 
the same preliminaries to Confirmation as are con- 
tained in the final direction to Sponsors among us, 
''this order is'' pronounced ''most convenient to be 
observed, for divers considerations. First, because 
that when childi'en come to years of discretion 
and have learned what theii' godfathers and god- 
mothers promised for them in baptism, they may then 
themselves, with their own mouth, and with their 
own consent, openly before the church, ratify and 
confess (or, confirm,) the same; and also joromise, 
that by the grace of God they will evermore en- 
deavour themselves faithfully to observe and keep 
such things as they by their ovni mouth and con- 
fession have assented unto.'^^ This agrees, ahuost 
literally, with the Preface of our own Confirmation 
Office. And now, is there not something more 

* CardweU's Liturgies, p. 341 iTote also that, in these, the Catechism 
ends with the explanation of the Loeds Prayer. 



THE SPONSORIAL OFFICE. 93 

implied than the mere ability to " say^^ the Cate- 
chism ? 

Further still, children baptized in infancy, and 
adults, are confirmed according to the same Order 
of Confirmation, answering together the same ques- 
tion, at the same time. Wherefore, it is to be in- 
ferred that in the cases of both there should be 
similar fitness for the rite ; that, children should 
have so learned the Catechism as that they can 
intelligently renew or confirm their Baptismal yows; 
that, when after due instruction they are ^'brought 
to the Bishop, yet are they to come as voluntarily 
as they " consent'^ and " assent" to the confession'' 
now made ; in fine, that, theu' moral fitness, result- 
ing from the instruction and training for which, at 
thek Baptism, their Sponsors are exhorted to pro- 
vide, must, as it is likely to, be apparent. And 
does not this imply sufficient preparation for their 
admission to the Lord's Supper ? 

Finally, without determining what number of 
years amount to ''a competent age" and years 
of discretion"— although, from analogy in the case 
of our Lord and of Jewish customs in a similar 
matter, we might infer the proper age to be included 
between twelve and perhaps fifteen, — Sponsors have 



^4 MAXUAL FOE SPOXSORS. 

not the final decision to make. It is enono-h for 
them to knoTv what, at the least, is expected of 
them, whilst all should be willing to do the most 
And their duties terminate when the following Ru- 
bric, after the Catechism, is carried into effect 
'•Whensoever the Bishop shaU give knowledge for 
children to be brought tmto him for their Coi^rma- 
tion, the Minister of erery parish shaU either brin^ 
or send in writmg, with his hand subscribed there- 
unto, the names of all such persons within his parish 
as shall (hiukjit to be presented to the Bishop to 
be confirmed.''' 

8. Duties of Godfathers and Godraothers towards persons 
haptized at adult age. 

The principal points to be noticed here are con- 
tained in the Exhortation to the Godfathers and 
Godmothers, after the Baptism, the essential differ- 
ence from what is done in the case of infant^ beinc 
that, here the Candidates answer for themselves'' - 
and are chiefly addressed in the exhortations of 
the Baptismal office. TVhat foUows, however is 
addressed to the Godfathers and Godmothers'- 
also, in view of their duties, called Witnesses. 
"Forasmuch as these persons have promised, in 



THE SP0^-SOEIAL OFFICE. 95 

rour presence, to renounce the deril and all his 
works, to beHeve in God and to serve Him ; je 
must remember that it is your part and duty to' put 
them in mind, what a solemn tow, promise, and pro- 
fession, they have now made before this congrega- 
tion, and especially before you their chosen witness'es. 
And ye are also to call upon them to use all dili- 
gence to be rightly instructed in God's holy word ; 
that so they may grow in grace, and in the knowl- 
edge of om- Lord Jesus Christ ; and live godly, 
righteously, and soberly, in this present world." 

This can scarcely require any explanation, al- 
though the following summary may be useful. 1. 
The Baptism of these ^persom, with its accompanying 
solemnities, takes place " in your presence," " before 
this congregation," "and before you their chosen 
witnesses." 2. As such " witnesses," you are " to 
put them in mind," imjDressing upon them the fact 
and nature of this their profession. 3. You are to 
exhort them to diligence, in acquiring the " knowl- 
edge" which " maketh wise," and is " the power of 
God, unto salvation," and in leading godly, right- 
eous, and sober lives. 



96 



MANUAL FOR SPONSORS. 



4. Qualifications of Godfathers and Godmothers, 

1. As (strictly) Sponsors, or Sureties in the case 
of Infants. 

The qualifications of Sponsors, in general, as ruled 
in the Primitive Church, and by the present law of 
the Church of England, have already been stated.* 
Wherefore, having reference to the latter, since — 
according to the Preface of our Book of Common 
Prayer— this [the Protestant Episcopal] Church 
is far from intending to depart from the Church of 
England in any essential point of doctrine, discipline, 
or worship ; or fm^ther than local circumstances re- 
quire," the fair inference would seem to be that, in 
''this Church" also, no person should be admitted 
Sponsor before he ''hath received the Holy Com- 
munion." Apart, however, from this inferential con- 
elusion, it is not remembered that there is, among 
us, any Rubric or Canon regulating the point now 
under notice. Although, it may not be out of place, 
here, to suggest the propriety and, in many respects, 
the necessity of some determination upon the subject 
by the Church, and as reheving the Clergy from an 
embarrassing position as to disciphne. For, it is 

* See § 3, pp. T1-T3, and § 4, p. T3, 74. 



THE SPONSORIAL OFFICE. 97 

supposed that, the reception and the rejection of 
any persons as Sponsors, at least when called in 
question, are left to their discretion, and controlled 
simply by custom, which, in the intention of the 
Church, should be according to Anghcan, and then 
to Primitive, law. For, in no other way can we 
determine that Sponsors must have been even bap- 
tized. As, however, it is not intended to discuss 
Clerical prerogatives in this connection, we ^vill ap- 
proach the subject from another side, and endeavour 
to state certain qualifications, without which none 
should, in conscience, either wish or venture to act 
in the Sponsorial capacity. 

1. If the nature, effects, and necessity of Baptism, 
with the obligations resting, in consequence of it, 
upon its subjects, be such as heretofore stated; if, 
moreover, the baptized need actual instruction in 
whatsoever ''a Christian ought to know and believe 
to his sours health,'^ and such training as shall, or 
most likely will, result in ^' a Godly and Christian 
life/^ lest their Baptism become to them worse than 
vain, how can you offer yourselves as their Sponsors, 
mthout having formed the conscientious determina- 
tion — as God shall help you by His grace — ^to do 
your whole duty ? Can you become Godfathers and 
9 



MAXUAL FOR SPONSORS. 

Godmotliers, and yet leave these your spiritual chil- 
dren, withont nnrtnre, untaught and untrained? 
Are you their Sureties, answering for their future 
faith and obedience, and yet, in fact, careless, whe- 
ther they shall have the one or exhibit the other, 
and, whether they are making any progress towards 
such a result, as they grow in years and knowledge ? 
Can you forget that you are yourselves under a vow, 
which, being carelessly and voluntarily broken, must 
bring after it fearful consequences to you and them; 
but, Ixniig kept, vrill bring down blessings upon them 
and you, in time and for eternity ? Consider, that 
your selection by parents, as Sponsors for their chil- 
dren, is not to be regarded as a mere matter of 
''compliment:"' or. if so in any sense or degree, as 
a ''compliment" to yotir Christian characters, and 
known fidehty to any trust committed to yom* care. 
?^^or suppose that, yoiu' presenting a child at the 
font is a form, involving nothmg further than the 
gift of a name, an ornament, a cup, or a dress,— and 
this has only too often been supposed. Let yom* 
Godchild be your ''name-child'^ and " name-sake,^' if 
you will, but see to it first that your own name, as 
borne by you, be such as he ought, and will be de- 
lighted, being able, to honom\ Let him also, and 



THE SPOXSORIAL OFFICE. 99 

first, be taught to wear ''tlie ornament of a meek 
and quiet spirit, which is, in the sight of God, of 
great price." And so lead him on, as that he shall 
determine, I Avill take the cup of salvation, and call 
upon the Xame of the Lord.'' And, give Jtim yonr 
fortunes, if you like, hut not before, as his Sponsors, 
you have taught him to use this world as not 
abusing it.'"^ 

Evidently, then, the first qualification, of which 
you should be conscious to yourselves, before you 
enter upon the Sponsorial relation towards any child^ 
is the resolution to take care that he be rightly in- 
structed and virtuously brought up.'' So that, 
knowing his renunciations, vows and promises at the 
font, he may keep, and keep to, them, all las days. 
Contingencies there may be, and unforeseen, which 
may withdraw him from your neighbourhood and its 
influence. This you can not always control. But, 
you can ordmarily determine that, you will not take 
so solemn vows, in another's stead and behalf, unless 
it be previously understood that, as opportunity 
offers, you are to have the privilege of keeping 
them. And, considering that the earlier impres- 
sions are made, the deeper and more lasting they 

* See p. 79. 1 Pet. iii. 4; Ps. cxtI. 13 ; 1 Cor. yii. 31. 



MANUAL FOR SPONSORS. 

become, you will do well to urge upon parents who 
are Hkely to call upon you, tliat they defer not the 
Baptism of theii^ children, thereby adding, most 
probably, to the difficulties of your office.'^ Mean- 
while, no doubt, there is always occasion for great 
prudence and discretion on your part, (and for the 
exercise of which rules can not well be given,) lest 
you infringe upon the rights and duties, by Divine 
law, belonging to parents as regards their children. 
Kor, vfhilst in such case exhortation and remon- 
strance may become all that you can offer, can any 
errors and even vices in parents, set aside the paren- 
tal character, or release children from the obligation 
to filial reverence and obedience, always and in all 
respects ; provided, that no violation of God^s laws 
be enjoined upon them. In that case, God is to be 
obeyed rather than man, even though the latter be a 
parent. 

(2.) Again, assuming that Baptism is such in na- 
ture and importance as has heretofore been stated ; 
further, that the baptized cMd shall be taught 
what a solemn vow, promise and profession he hath 
here made by you,^^ and such other things as a 
Christian ought to know and beheve to his soul^s 

* See page 91. 



THE SPOXSORIAL OFFICE. 101 

health" — you and he remembering always that 
Baptism doth represent mito us onr profession/' — ■ 
yom* next quahfication would seem to be such suffi- 
cient knowledge on your part as will enable you to 
intelhgently keep your tow. That is, knowledge, in 
its broadest Scriptural sense, as including right in- 
formation respecting doctrines which you both should, 
and (apparently) do, behere ; and again, as includ- 
ing an actual experience of what you teach, in those 
respects wherein this is a matter of experience. Do 
not suppose that, any one is altogether fit, in yirtue 
of a general good character, to be a Sponsor, if 
after all he is ignorant of the rudiments of the 
Christian Faith, needing himself to be taught which 
be the first principles of the oracles of God,-- '"'the 
principles of the doctrine of Christ, ^ ^ ^ repent- 
ance from dead works, faith towards God, the doc- 
trine of baptism, and of laying on of hands, and of 
resuiTCCtion of the dead, and of eternal judgment.-' 
And even if '''for the time [that you have been 
learners] you ought to be [fit for] teachers,'- how can 
you be so, in your still remaining ignorance ? "Would 
you have your Lord say to you, as He said to Xico- 

demos, Art thou a Master of Israel, and knowest 
9* 



1^ MAmJAL FOR SPOlfSORS. 

not these thing? "f"^ If then, so much dep-nis 
npoii "n-QT iii?trTi-::i^, ^: i:* :i^empt, nnprepared, 

r - r : v errors in the Faith, 

and the Christiaii life, may yon not contribute 1 
Learn, ll;. :_:T:T::rr. ~e.at yon are to teadi,^ 

as this L ^ r _ set for yon by the Chnrch, accord- 
ing ; Hti i 1 L'z^. endeavonring at least to be in 
adv^ :^ : ^ v- 1 f^r yonr spiritual gnardiansh^. 

S"' titIt :s : :: : knowledge, beside? this of 
faith in ^hs: is set beiiare yon throzjh :ir :i-::ii.e 
* : : as according t» G : 5 Word;— thaiH 
0: experieiLce become yonrs, because you haye acted 
npon the pr!iidT?le, "If any man will a" (^-r*^ win. 
he shal: :i the doctrine."-^ I: . , -av 

belie~r ~ ' t - will impart infom ": l : : :^ _:> 
~ must an obedient Mth k _ — . qt 

^ ■ - : l:ty of truth revealed and if- 

-i- ~ - ppl'es to you as having yoni- 
^ ~ ' ^ - :^ " T : Baptism, CSonfirmation, and 
* - S ; ' — — - - And, it is a question which 
you will do well to put, Whether, whilst faiowledge 
in tbr z : tL r may snffice for your giving injomm- 
twn, as Ca-T-lisTs. or Teaohr- in Sunday Schools 



J aim iiL 10. 



THE 5P0XS0KIAL OFFICE. 103 

for example, it ought not to inclucle the hatter sense, 
in order to your true fitness for giving that instruc- 
Hon which is expected from you as Sponsors ? 

(3.) Grouping the above three Eites together, 
therefore. — two of them Sacraments, and all of them 
according to Christ's Gospel. — how can you, in strict- 
ness of letter or spirit, and vdth effect, say to your 
Godchildi'en, that they are hound to act upon these 
His words, •'If ye love Me, keep My command- 
ments,*'^ unless you keep them also ? True, no un- 
baptized person is admitted Sponsor, as reason there 
is. But then, can any say that there is any more 
reason for so admitting one who looks upon Baptism 
as only a form : or, makes light of its blessings; 
neither uses the privileges to which it introduces 
him : nor regards the obligations of the profession 
therein made ? Let that pass, however. And now, 
can any tell why, being unconfirmed, and non-com- 
municants, you should become Sponsors for those, 
whom you are to aid in preparing themselves for 
Confirmation and the Holy Commimion ? the one, 
accordmg to the evident intention of the Church, 
bemg but a step to the other. 

Yon might, indeed, plead to them your own pres- 

* 1 Jolm xiv. 15. 



MAXUAL FOR SPONSORS. 

ent want of fitness here, wMch von are endearonriiLo- 
to remedy. And this evident endeaYour in toil 
might do someihing to eneoui^age them to make it 
^-- - "^ - Still, you, baijtized, older in years, bet- 
ter informed, and alledging the wish to do yom^ dntv, 
nevertheless make such a plea, must not they be 
tempted to ask, How then can we be prepared for 
such solemn rites - If yon have failed, how can 
we hope to succeed ?" Undoubtedly, there are per- 
sons who are honestly scrupulous as to their own fit- 
ness for the Lord's Supper, and whose cases require 
a delicate and forbeaiing consideration, until they 
are brought to see that, not this Sacrament, but 
Heaven, is the end of a Christian life ; that, it is a 
means to such a life, in order to attaining Heaven • 
and that, they are the very ones who, it would seem, 
should scruple least to exhibit a full obedience to 
our Blessed Lord. And yet, such persons sometimes 
become Sponsors. But, wiU they ventm'e upon a 
responsibility in others' behalf, from which they 
shrink, in then own ? Or, would they tram these 
up into their own defective exhibition of love for our 
Master ? They jDromise to do more, as Sponsors. 

The case, however, becomes much worse, if vou 
come forward in this character, bemg indifferent 



THE SPOXSORIAL OFFICE. 105 

about Sacraments, and religious rites appointed of 
God, and speaking of them in a trifling, or injurious 
manner. You lead those, whom you have promised 
to guide into better things, into your own errors, to 
use no harsher terms. Such is the natural conse- 
quence. Are you then, prepared thus to perjure 
yourselyes, and to bring your wards up, into a con- 
tempt for Diyine Institutions ? You may ayer, it is 
true — although with but little grace as thus coming 
from you — that, God's law requires something more 
than the reception of ordinances. It does so require. 
It is a pious remark. But, among all the require- 
ments of that law, ritual and moral, is it for yon 
aboye all, or for any one, to say, " This should be 
done; that may be left undone Obserye also that 
it is not merely what is thus done but its spirit, to 
which objection is here made. For, it is a spirit 
which, in the end, and if encouraged, respects noth- 
ing sacred. 

It is not intended, here, to set forth, as with 
authority, that none but communicants shall become 
Sponsors. But, it is for all those who contemplate 
becoming, or are, such, to inquire whether, except as 
themselyes in full communion vdth the Church, at- 
tached to Her doctrme and disciphne, they are the 



MANUAL FOR SPONSORS. 

ones whom the Church would wish to answer for, 
and instruct, Her children, the infant members of 
Christ V ISTor, is it denied that there maj be, or 
are, persons, even unbaptized, who, in temper, gen- 
eral disposition and character, are better fitted for 
Sponsors than some who are but formal, or too 
thoughtless communicants. But, eyidently, in at- 
tempting to define rules we can not avail ourselves 
of possible exceptions. 

(4.) Once more. Having determined that you will 
aim to do your duty faithfully ; knowing the points 
wherein it consists ; and, as may now be assumed, 
being yourselves baptized, confirmed, and communi- 
cants, there only remains to add, what has thus been 
implied, that, having taught the principles, you 
should also exhibit the example, of ''godly and 
Christian lives,'^ " daily proceeding in all virtue and 
godliness of living.'^ Look at the several particulars 
of ''the vow, promise, and profession'^ which chil- 
dren make '' by you,'' and there is not one thereof 
in regard to which you are not to take the lead, in 
their sight. If they are to do their duty to God 
and their neighbours, remember your own. Do not 
expect that they will be disposed to regularly hear 
sermons," if you never, or but irregularly, hear 



THE SPO^rSORIAL OFFICE, 107 

them ; and this, but to find fault, instead of calhng 
attention to what is worth remembermg. And, it 
must be a strange service indeed, largely taken as 
every part of our Liturgy is from Scripture, and a 
sermon as strange, if it has a text, in which there is 
nothing to commend to notice, and nothing to pro- 
mote the cultivation of some Christian virtue."^ Or, 
if you but act out your ignorance, these your scholars 
will not be induced thereby, or enabled, to ''learn'' 
all that a Christian ought to know and believe." 
And, if your lives are neither '' virtuous'^ nor ''god- 
ly f if they are those of mere worldlings, immersed 
in this world's pleasures, follies, and even business — 
all which Gron forbid ! yet, if it be so, as it may — 
do not wonder if you find them apt imitators, who 
may outstrip you far in a sinful race. They vrill al- 
ways have enough of evil examples about them to 
turn them aside from the way of holiness, through 
the temptations addressed to their depraved hearts. 
For, it is not supposed that in virtue of their Bap- 

* See page 82, § 4, (3.) 

" The worst speaks something good : if all want sense, 
God takes a text, and preacheth patience." 

And, 

"He that gets patience, and the blessing which 
Preachers conclude with, hath not lost his pains." 

Geo. Hjeebekt s Temple. The Church PorcTi, 



108 MANUAL FOR SPONSORS. 

tism, ''all sinful affections'' liaye at once ''died'' with- 
in them ; but, prayer is made in their behalf that, 
being now placed in a state of grace, all such " affec- 
tions MAY die in them, and that all things belonging 
to the Spirit may liye and grow in them/'- And 
now, with how much more force must an ill example 
address itself to them, as set by you, with whom 
they must feel themselves bound, if they are taught 
to know anything about it, by a more than usually 
interesting and tender tie ; one, only less intimate 
aud endearing than that which binds them to their 
parents. 

There is still one other case to suppose, in which 
still less should jou take advantage of present de- 
fectiveness in the Church's law, if such there be, to 
present youi'selves to the Church, in this character ; 
and either compelling the Clergy to accept you - 
therein, or to exhibit their supreme attachment for 
what must be right in the sight of God, and to take 
the responsibihty of rejecting you, whom they could 
not receive with your brethren at the altar, from re- 
sponding at the font. This supposable case, is where 
you are both guilty of immorahties, more or less, 
and notorious for them. 

* See prayers before Baptism. Also, IXth Article. 



THE SPOIS^SORIAL OFFICE. 109 

That you may, in this, often be but examples of 
human weakness, instead of deliberate depravity, 
and so objects of pity as well as subjects for prayer, 
is readily granted,— and upon all such may God 
have mercy ! But, that you should presume, under 
the circumstances, to put yourselves forward as spir- 
itual guardians for children, to be guided by yon 
into all virtue and godliness of living" passes en- 
durance. Go first, and repent ; reform you ; turn 
from your evil ways ; and when you have exhibited 
the working of Divme Grace upon yom- hearts, in 
your lives, then, and not till then, may you venture 
upon undertaking the duties of this new relation 
towards the baptized in Christ. 

To all, then, be it said, as you have any regard 
for the Churches good repute, as you value your own 
souls' salvation, as you value that of such as may be 
intrusted to your supervision and care, consider 
your responsibihty, and meet it. For, even thus 
much depends upon your faithfulness, inasmuch as 
your unfaithfulness may contribute to the ruin of im- 
mortal souls. 

10 



110 



MANUAL FOR SPONSORS. 



5. Qualifications of Godfathers and Godmothers, (cordinued.) 

2, As Witnesses" in tlie case of Adults. 

There is little to be added under this head, the 
exhortation to the ''chosen witnesses'^ of Adults 
baptized, implying the same kind of fitness as has 
just been commended. It is supposed that, in prac- 
tice, these mtnesses are more generally (if not al- 
ways,) communicants, than they who act as Sponsors 
for children. Although, it is hard to tell why this 
should be, since the strongest impressions of right 
instruction and a good example are made upon the 
young ; whilst, as Adults answer for themselves at 
Baptism, so do the duties of thek Witnesses ordina- 
rily continue for a shorter space of time. For, ac- 
cording to the Kubric in this case, ''It is expedient 
that everv [adult] person thus baptized, should be 
confirmed by the Bishop, so soon after his Baptism 
a« conyeniently may be; that so he may be admitted 
to the Holy Communion." The duties of the Wit- 
nesses as such then cease : and previously may be 
considered as those only which one Christian may 
expect from another, the advantage of the relation 
between the two parties and for the tune, being, that 
tbe general duty of caring for a Christian brother is, 



THE SPOXSORIAL OFFICE. Ill 

for a special purpose, transferred from the ^vliole 
body of a cliurcli or congregation to certain of its 
members ; and is more likely, therefore, to be per- 
formed in a proper, profitable manner. And, to un- 
dertake it, with the determination to do as the Wit- 
nesses are exhorted, — the congregation having a 
pledge that what it owes to the newly-baptized will 
not be neglected, — ^is an act of Christian charity, 
than which there is none better adapted to promote 
unity of spirit, in the bond of peace, and, (may 
we not add ?) — righteousness of life.'^ 

6, Motives to under tciJdng Sponsorial duties. 
1. The fact that, with a view to the bringing up 
of children — whose case again and finally comes 
under notice — as becometh the Gospel of Christ,"^ 
the Church has seen fit to recognize the Sponsorial 
relation and appoint its duties, should be a first mo- 
tive to comphance with this part of Her disciphne, 
in all Her members who have the prerequisite fitness 
for performing the duties of this relation. Even if 
the Church were to be regarded as only a Voluntary 
Association of human origin, thus much would be ex- 
pected of Her members, as therefore bound by Her 

* Phil. i. 21, 



112 MANUAL FOR SPONSORS. 

laws so long as these were in force. On no other 
principle could the well-being — not to say the being 
—of any Society or State be preseryecl, or its effi- 
cient action continued. And, the same principle, as- 
suredly, is no less applicable in the Church of Christ, 
because its origin is held to be Diyine. jSTor, whilst 
Her members undoubtedly haye the priyilege of in- 
quiring whether Her laws and institutions accord 
with the law of God, in the Gospel, need they scru- 
ple to accede at once to the present point of disci- 
pline ; unless, indeed, it were contrary to God's law, 
which must be proyed, not taken for granted. 

2. The nature of the Sponsorial relation, together 
with the pui^pose for which it was designed, as con- 
tributing to the well-being of the Chui'ch. through 
the performance of the duties inyolyed, calls up an- 
other motiye for undertaking them, of no httle im- 
portance. Are Her doctrines essential to salyation, 

of God ? then should they be known. Is Her dis- 
cipline effectual to so good an end ? then should it be 
enforced. Is unity of sentiment and action in her 
members desirable ? then should there be instruction, 
leadmg to such effect. Are the most of Her mem- 
bers such, from childhood up ? then should these have 



THE SPOXSORIAL OFFICE. 113 

that instruction, so soon as tliev are able to learn," 
in order that through them the Church's unity and 
efficiency may he the better secured, to the attam- 
ment of the objects designed in Her very institution. 
And what can contribute more to Her edification, 
to Her members grooving up into a band of brethren, 
of one household, harmoniously acting together for 
theii^ mutual good and the salvation of all men, than 
the Sponsorial relation, rightly understood, and faith- 
fully observed ; as constantly increasing, moreover, 
the number of those who are drawn into a close, 
brotherly, and spiritual communion, — faith working 
by love ? 

3. Further, there is another motive which should 
make the members of the Church willing to enter 
upon this relation, in that, namely, it is an act of 
charity tovrards those, in whose favour it is under- 
taken. It has already been mentioned in this hght^ 
as regards the witnessing for Adults. Much more 
is it so to be considered in the case of answering for 
Infants, who can not answer for themselves at their 
Baptism, can not instruct or train themselves in the 
way of salvation, but in this respect are helpless, at 
the mercy of every influence, and so far exposed to 
10* 



114 MANUAL FOR SPONSORS. 

every temptation into error of faith, heart, and life. 
Shall they be left to themselyes ? Will none care 
for their souls ? Or, shall thej be trained for this 
world, but not for the next ? 

And especially is there a call for the exhibition 
of such charity, yrhere parents are no more, to watch 
oyer their little ones, eyen if so disposed; and where 
they are still liying, but indifferent to theu' own and 
their children's true welfare ; or, in a manner de- 
strnctiye of the salvation of them all. 

T. Ohjedions to becoming Sponsors, ansvjered. 
Observing first that, generally, objections of this, 
or any similar, nature come with but an ill grace 
fi'om members of the Church, who, in being such, 
are pledged to obey Her laws, vet, as objections 
may rise in the minds of those who would willingly 
and conscientiously do their duty in the present 
matter, could thev see theii' way clear, somewhat 
may be added. 

1. Thus, there is an objection to the Questions 
before Baptism, put to Sponsors, as answered ''in 
the name of this child,'' and as fmther stated and 
explained in the ThiiTl Answer of the Catechism, to 
which you are referred, in connection with what fol- 



THE SPOXSORIAL OFFICE. 



115 



lows. — XoTT, no Clinrcliman, and no one professing 
to be a Christian, can, it is thought , object, npon 
any religious ground whatever, to renouncing the 
devil and all his vrorks, &c.,'' so far as he himself is 
concerned ; or, to believing in all the Articles of 
the Christian Faith, as contained in the Apostles^ 
Creed;'' or, if he beheves in Baptism, to being " bap- 
tized in this Faith;'' or, to an obedient keeping of 
God's holy will and commandments, &c., all the days 
of his life."* Xor, therefore, can any object to a 
child's thus renouncing, believing, being baptized, 
and obeying, for himself, could he act in reference to 
either or all of these points, in his own name" or 
person. Wherefore, as respects the principle of the 
thing, there can be no objection to the lawfulness 
and propriety of that being done for him, which he 
ought to do for himself were he capable of it. 

2. Here, however, it may be said, that whilst 
such would be the child's duty were he an adult, he 
ought not to be bound by any vows in which he has, 
and can have, no voice. And yet, in worldly mat- 
ters, to speak m the way of illustration, this objec- 
tion is set at naught, every day. And must be, as 

* See Quest, p. 10. 



J-J-^ MANUAL FOR SPONSORS. 

is eyident. Otherwise, no parent, having heirs with 
a natural right to his estate, could control this, to 
buy or sell, (except during the non-age of his chil- 
dren,) binding them to obhgations of his contracting, 
and to hold when they had reached their majority. 
Guardians could not act for their wards. Indeed, 
no one could be deputed to act for a principal. 
True, the civil law settles the course of action, here. 
But, on the very principle which binds a child 
through the action of his Sponsors. 

3. Should it be urged, now, that this illustration 
does not come up to the point in question, because 
something more than worldly estates, even the spir- 
itual interests of a child are involved, let it be an- 
swered that, this fact can not overthrow the principle 
illustrated, unless the child be bound to what is 
wrong, or deprived of some right or privilege. For 
an illegal action in this world's matters, done by a 
parent to the prejudice of a child, there is a remedy; 
and so, doubtless, a child could not be bound to a 
false Creed vfere he baptized ever so often. His 
Baptism, if in other respects valid and lawful, could 
serve only to the true end of Baptism and bind him 
to a true Creed. Is there then any thing false or 



THE SPOXSORIAL OFFICE. 117 

nnscriptiiral in the Questious of the Baptismal Office 
and the Catechism, and theii' Answers, as now 
under notice ? Observe, too, that the principle, 
upon which these are based, is of Divine origin. It 
is as old, at least, as the institution of Cu'cmncision. 
"Was the ckcumcised child, from the days of Abra- 
ham, bound to nothing when circumcised at his 
eighth day? Was he not bound to the terms of the 
Abrahamic, and then afterwards of the Mosaic, cov- 
enant? Did not the Law fix his Faith and regulate 
his morals? And now, should he not, might he not, 
have objected to the law, which, without his consent, 
when he was eight days old, made him keep the cove- 
nant,"^ taking away all supposable right to grow up 
as a Gentile, and thenceforward instructing him in 
the duties which God had imposed ? This requires 
no answer. Only, it may be stated, with a refer- 
ence back to the baptism of proselytes that, Jewish 
writers held that one may '^privilege a person, 
though he be incapable of knowing it : but one 
ought not to disprivilege a person without his knowl- 
edge.-' And according to the Gemara, '" If with a 
proselyte his sons and daughters be made proselytes, 



* Gen. xTii. 14. 



MANUAL FOR SPONSORS. 

that which is done by their father redounds to 
their good/^ And this applied to children '^of 
never so little age," whether baptized " upon the 
profession of the father," or " of the House of judg- 
ment."^ 

4. The preceding section naturally suggests a 
similar objection, not merely to our Creed and For- 
mularies, but to all whatever, according to which 
Sponsors might pledge themselves to instruct the 
children for whom they ansvvered at Baptism, the 
proposed principle being that children's minds should 
not be biassed previous to their ability to choose a 
faith for themselves. The principle is plausible, and 
perhaps pleasing, but simply and utterly inapplicable 
in practice. And were it not so, consider whereto it 
would lead ; to ignorance of Creeds, of Morals, and 
of God. For, there is no possibility of limiting the 
principle ^vithout undermining it. Accordingly, the 
question is not between Creeds and none, but between 
true and false, good and bad. It must be so. For, 
no child can grow up in society without coming 
under religious and moral influences of one kind or 
another, from the best to the worst. And thus, 

* Wall, Introd. p. 15. 



THE SPOKSORIAL OFFICE. 119 

VTQ are brought back to the pomt from which we 
started : at most, to mquire mto the com^ormity of 
the Baptismal Office and Catechism with the hiw of 
God as contained in His "Word : and this, it has 
ah'eady been assumed, is settled. 

5. The main objection, with which we are here 
concerned, now takes this shape, that, even if 
nothing unlawful be imposed upon a child at his 
Baptism as ministered according to om' Tormularies: 
and supposing that a child's mind may be lawfully 
biassed in a certain direction, through instruction 
in the Catechism as agreeing with the TVord of 
God : yet. since there is no al-solute certainty as to 
what said child will actually do. in the course of 
time. Sponsors ought not to pledge ''in his name'^ 
that he will renounce, as doing it now. or that he 
will believe and will obey. Zs ow. one would suppose 
it a sufficient answer to t'l:- to ^ay-. that SpcnS'jrs 
promise only what the c _ that 
the child is taught in the Catechism what is the 
intended effect of said promise, viz,: ''that he 
should renounce.*-' shotild Ijelieve." " should keep.*' 
(tc. ; is taught to ••think" that he is •'botmd to 
beheve, and to do as they (the Sponsors) have 



MANUAL FOR SPOXSORS, 

promised for him;-'* Just as, in effect, a guardian 
says that his ward shall, after his majority, ratify all 
that the guardian has done or pledged. In which 
case, should the ward, no longer under guardianship, 
refuse such ratification, the civil law, by fine or 
other process of penalty, would compel him to his 
duty; indeed, to continue in the performance of that 
upon which he has already entered through his 
guardian acting for him, it being taken for granted, 
moreover, from the outset, that he is a reasonable 
and equitable being, wilhng to do what is right and 
legal in the premises. The cases, then, are strictly 
parallel, except that there is no other law compelUng 
baptized children to keep then' Sponsors' pledge, 
(which is none the less theii' own because taken ''in 
their name,'') than one of a moral force and natm'e, 
eventuating in eternal punishment for voluntary 
failure. JSTor do Sponsors vow or promise, as 
^^sm-eties," respecting what, children ^^when they 
come to age are themselves bound to perform,"! 
more than is promised by guardians for then- wards. 
Only, the subject matter of the promise is different, 
being of a rehgious and spiritual, not of a worldly 



* Quest. Pub. Bap. of Infants. Quest. 3, Catecliism, pp. 10, 27. 
t Catechism, Quest. 20, Ans. 



THE SPONSORIAL OFFICE. 121 

and civil nature, whilst there need be no more 
hesitation to make the pledges m a dvance Tvhich 
are required, in the one case than in the other. 
Indeed, the advantage is here believed to be on the 
side of Sponsors. For. they act under Divine 
sanction. The obligations entered into at Baptism 
are of Divine origin, since they are set forth by the 
law which points out the way of eternal life. It is 
the way of Truth into which the child is introduced. 
He has thus made a ''beginning'' whereof God 
approves; has, at the least, ''been called into a 
state of salvation, --'^ for attaining the full purposes 
of which God's Spirit, vre may be well assured, is 
promised, and accordingly vrill be afforded. And, 
further, that the Baptismal vows are taken in no 
spirit of presumptuous self-confidence appears from 
this, that, whilst there is an absolute, unconditional 
renunciation of the devil, the world, and the flesh, 
yet the pledge is '"'by God's help, to endeavour not 
to follow nor be led by them.^'f So, the promise to 
obey, again, is '' by God's help.'' At the same time, 
when the baptized come to be taught, and to teach 
them is a duty, they are taught to think themselves 

* Cat. Quest. 4. Ans. page 21. 
t Quest. Pub. Bap. of Infants, page 10. 
11 



122 MANUAL FOE SPONSORS. 

boiind to believe and to do as tlieir Sponsors prom- 
ised for them f to say that they " will, by God's 
help ;'- to " thank Him for calling them into this state 
of salvation f and to " pray that He wonld give 
them His grace that they may continue in the same 
nnto their lives' end.''"^ 

And now, whilst the baptized are undoubtedly 
bound by the vows and promises m then- names, the 
Sponsors themselves are bound only to the duty of 
giving such instruction and using such efforts as are 
calculated, and therefore appointed, to contribute 
to the keeping of the above vows and promises. 
TTherefore, then, need any hesitate to act in the 
Sponsorial capacity, as presented to view in the 
Baptismal Office and the Catechism, merely because 
children maij not, perhaps, keep theii' vows ? Is 
this our faith in the ef&cacious working* of God's 
Spirit ; in His Institutions ; in the evidently Scrip- 
tural promise that the rehgious traming of the 
young shall be blessed ? Xor say, that many 
children of pious parents do not hve in accordance 
with the pious care that has been bestowed upon 
them. " Let God be true, and every man a liar/'f 



* Catechism, Quest. 4, Ans, 
t Eom. iii. 4. 



THE SPOXSORIAL OFFICE. 123 

and rather suppose some defect and omission in this 
case, than assume that His Tvord can fail. For, it 
is against Him that yon are thus arguing. Mean- 
while, it is enough for you, as Sponsors, to be 
faithful and confidently to leave the results to Him, 
beheving that these, after all allowances made for 
the perversity of the human heart, will be such as to 
encom^age your present entering into a relation so 
holy, and upon duties so important. 

6. Some have objected, again, to undertaking for 
children, upon the supposition that this involved 
some provision for their temporal support. This 
objection, connected as it may be with, an occasional 
expectation in parents of gifts from Sponsors to their 
children, is without foundation. And it is enough that 
any are found willing to undertake this ofi&ce. It is 
thek best gift. Still, there is one case, that of the 
poor orphan, in which something should be done for 
the body as well as the soul. But, this double duty 
does not rest upon Sponsors, as such. They can 
often do something, as others can, individually, for 
such support of the young member of Christ'' as 
will withdraw him from temptation, through his 
necessities. ^severtheless, this belongs to the 



124 MANUAL FOR SPONSORS, 

Church ; and, is only mentioned in this connection, 
for the purpose of adding one more voice to an 
already swelling note of appeal to all those Church- 
men who have not hitherto helped Her on, as they 
might and should have done, in this Her work. 
Where are Her Houses of Refuge, Her Asylums, and 
Her Parish Schools ? And where, the means of 
establishing and supporting them ? 

7. Another objection there is, which may deter 
sorfie from becoming Sponsors. And, whilst it 
ought to have come from the thoughtless, formal, 
fashionable Sponsor, with such an effect, it may 
have weight with those who, being more impressed 
with a sense of the duties involved, ought to be 
among the last to raise it, or to be influenced by it. 
Namely, that there are involved so much care, 
trouble and responsibility. It is so. The fact must 
not be denied, even to add but one to the list of 
Sponsors, as supposing it otherwise. But, what an 
objection is this ! As well object at once to being 
a Christian. The way in which he has to walk is 
straight" and " narrow.'' It abounds in difficulties, 
is surrounded by dangers, compels him to care, leads 
Mm under many a responsibility, to where he will 



THE SPONSORIAL OFFICE. 125 

be held strictly accountable at last. Would you, 
therefore, deny your Master, and the faith, or 
willingly give up all hope of Heaven ? Xo ? And 
shall, then, any such reason — or any reason as inter- 
fering with a duty — withhold you from undertaking 
a labour of love, in behalf of the httle ones of 
Christ's fold, for their good, not excluding your 
own ? 

8. Finally, there is here remembered but one other 
objection to the Sponsorial system, that, Sponsors 
and their office of instructing the baptized are made 
a substitute for God's Spmrr. How unreasonable 
and how unwarranted such a supposition or assertion 
is, an examination of our Formularies touching the 
matter in hand must clearly show. Sponsors are to 
do the work set for them, but are in no wise re- 
garded as substitutes for the Spirit of God. Isov is 
the moral influence of their office, or of its instruc- 
tions, to be considered as instead of the influences 
of Divine Grace, acting directly, or through ap- 
pointed instrument ahties, upon Its subjects. 

However, to illustrate. The baptized into J esus 

Christ" — says St. Paul — are ''planted together in 

the hkeness of His death," that they may be so 
11* 



^"^^ MANUAL FOR SPONSORS. 

" also in the likeness of His resurrection/^ to the 
end that they should not serve sin'^ but " walk in 
newness of life." Does any one suppose that, when 
a tree newly planted is staked and so fastened, the 
stakes are the life of the tree, or instead of the soil 
in which it stands, or of the rains, and au\, and light, 
and heat of Heaven ? They hold it fast untd firmly 
rooted, and then are taken away.— Again, Baptism 
may be likened to grafting. The ingrafted branch 
is secured firmly upon the stock into which it is in- 
serted, and protected against whatsoever might hin- 
der its life.^ Are these guards the life ? And 
yet, would the new branch be likely to stand and 
live, becoming incorporated as part of the tree upon 
which it stands, were it only inserted ? Once more. 
Look at a spire of corn as it springs up from the 
ground until the full ear is ripened. The ear does 
not grow up out of the stock, unprotected. The 
husk surrounds, and grows with, it. Remove the 
husk, and the ear dies, or will not become perfect. 
Leave it until the ripened ear no longer needs it, 
and it is taken away, becoming food for cattle, but 
the corn for man. 

So, with Sponsors in like wise. They are mere 

* Eom. vi. 8-6; xi. 16-24. 



THE SPONSORIAL OFFICE. 127 

instruments in the hand of Gron. — They guard the 
young member of Christ," that it may stand firm, 
take root, and flourish, like a tree planted by the 
rivers of water.""^ — They protect it in its place, 
until it becomes so incorporated with the Tree — the 
True Yinef — into which it has been grafted, as that 
it can stand, without their help. — They serve the 
purpose appointed them while the ear is growing, 
growing themselves the while, and then are removed. 
Of this nature is the design of their present relation 
to the baptized, of their nurturing care, instruction, 
and training, until when these their children or 
wards shall renew and confirm the vows, once taken 
by them, through others acting in their names. 

Will, then, any say that Sponsors are considered 
substitutes for Gon^s Spirit, to any extent or in 
any manner, when, after rehearsing the Command- 
ments, (in keeping of which, as including the fear of 
God, is the whole duty of man,) every baptized child 
is taught, Know this, that thou art not able to do 
these things of thyself, nor to walk in the command- 
ments of God and to serve Him, without His special 
grace, which thou must learn at all times to call for 

* Ps. i. 3. 

t Rom. xi. 16-24; John xv. 1. 



128 MANUAL FOR SPONSORS. 

by diligent prayer As well plant your tree 
upon a rock, and though you stake it fast, or in a 
good soil, yet taking away all moisture, and air, 
and light, and heat, and expect it to live ; or, your 
graft upon a dead tree, or your corn in a barren 
ground ! K'ay, here also is it true, that Paul 
plants and ApoUos waters, but God gives the in- 
crease.'^f 

8. Conclusion. 

In thus committing the present Manual to the 
members of the Church for their examination, and 
for its perusal and use for such as are, or contem- 
plate becoming. Sponsors, every other intention than 
that of, in some measm^e, aiding all such in their 
work of charity, is disclaimed. That, every thing 
possible to be said has been thus written ; or that, 
the preceding pages contain all, in due measure, 
which may naturally fall within their scope, is 
neither claimed nor supposed. Or, should it be 
thought that, more than necessary space has been 
given to the subject of Baptism, let it be answered 
that somewhat of this natui^e seemed necessary to 

* Cat. Quest. 12 ; Eccles. xii. 18. 
t 1 Cor. iii. 6. 



THE SPONSORIAL OFFICE. 



129 



the contemplated design, — ^to give a continuous view 
of the Sponsorial office in connection with the cove- 
nant of grace, not exckisively but chiefly, as exhib- 
ited in the Church of the ISTew Dispensation. In 
view, therefore, of this connection as it appears more 
especially in our Formularies, the attempt has been 
made to present this office or relation to notice as, 
following the Book of Common Prayer, we have, or 
should have, it presented to us, in practice ; to 
suggest points of responsibihty incurred by those 
who act in it ; and, through such suggestions, to 
contribute to a studious and faithful undertaking of 
its duties. 

Be not discouraged, however, by any thought of 
trouble, or care, or even of the great responsibility 
attending it. The work is not yours, nor yom^s the 
production of results. You must expect here, like- 
wise, to meet with many obstacles in youi' way, 
raised by imperfections in yourselves and in the 
young. But, where will you not find them in the 
coui'se of your pilgrimage, which is also a warfare ? 
And, where can you hope to find obstacles, fewer in 
number, less difficult to overcome, than in the case 
and care of those, concerning all of whom, Christ 
Himself hath said, -'of such is the kingdom of 



130 MANUAL FOR SPONSORS. 

God whom, as little children^ He once blessed, 
hath blessed eyen now, and will continue to bless ? 
Begin then. Go on. With a willingness to devote 
time, and study, and effort, as circumstances may 
require, to this noble and charitable work of pre- 
paring souls for Heaven. In many respects, it is 
admitted, the time might be more agreeably em- 
ployed, although not more profitably, if by teaching 
we learn.'' And what study more noble than that 
of characters yet unformed, so that, theii' predis- 
positions, their peculiarities, and their needs being 
seen, they may be formed after the mind of 
CHRisT,"f as this is manifested in the written Word 
through His teaching and example therein described ? 
Or, what effort is there that you should be more 
willing to make than this, so praiseworthy as to its 
object, so promising of success, so clearly acceptable 
to God, and so likely to be rewarded ? For, they 
that be wise [or, teachers^'] shall shine as the bright- 
ness of the firmament ; and they that turn many to 
righteousness, as the stars, for ever and ever.'' Only, 
remember to seek for yom'selves that grace'' which 
" is sufficient for you," as it is necessary for all the 



* Mark x. 14 ; Luke xyiii. 16. 
t 1 Cor. ii. 16. 



THE SP02s'S0RIAL OFFICE. 131 

chUdren of God. Then, persevere, knowing Who 
hath said, They that seek Me early shall find Me/^ 
and, " him that cometh to Me I wiU in no wise cast 
ont.^'* 



* Daniel xil 8; 2 Cor. xil 9 ; Proy. yiii. IT; John tI. 37. 



Such as may he appi-opHately used ly Sjponsors in tJieir mon be- 
half^ and for^ as loell as hj, cUldrenfor ivhom they answered 
at Baptism, Indeed, most of the Collects may he thus adapted, 
in the m/xnner follotmig. 



Blessed Lord, Who hath caused all holy Scriptures to be 
written for our learning ; gi-ant that we [with this child'] may in 
such wise hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest 
them, that by patience, and comfort of Thy holy Word, we may 
embrace, and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, 
which Thou hast given us in om- Saviour Jesus Christ. 

[Second Sunday in Advent. 

Almighty God, Who hast given us Thy only-begotten Son to 
take our nature upon Him, and to be born of a pure Vu'gin ; 
grant that we [this child] being regenerate, and made Thy 
children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by Thy 
Holy Spirit, tlirough the Sam.e, our Lord Jesus Christ, Who 
liveth and reigneth with Thee and the same Spirit, ever one 
God, world without end. 

pSTatiTity of our Lord.. 

O Almighty God, Who out of the mouths of babes and 
sucklings hast ordained strength, and madest infants to glorify 
Thee by their deaths ; mortify and kill all vices in us, and so 
sti-engthen us by Thy grace, that by the innocency of our lives 
and constancy of our faith even unto death, we may glorify Thy 
holy Name, through Jesus Christ oui' Lord. 

[Holy Innocents' Day. 

12 



134 COLLECTS. 

Almighty God, Who madest Thy Blessed Son to be cii'cmn- 
cised and obedient to the law for man ; gi*ant us [this Mid] 
the tme circumcision of the Spirit, om* hearts \]iis heaii;] and 
all our [his] members being mortified fi'om all worldly and 
carnal lust, we [he] may in all things obey Thy blessed will, 
through the Same, Thy Son Jesus Christ om* Lord, 

[The Circumcision of Clirist. 

God, Wlio, thi'ough the preaching of the blessed Apostle 
Saint Paul, hast caused the light of the Gospel to shine through- 
out the world ; gi'ant, we beseech Thee, that we, having his won- 
derful conversion in remembrance, may show forth our thank- 
fulness unto Thee for the same, by following the holy doctrine 
which he taught, thi-ough Jesus Christ om- Lord. 

[Conversioii of St Paul. 

ALiiiGHTT and everhving God, we humbly beseech Thy 
Divine Majesty, that as Thy only-begotten Son was presented in 
the Temple in substance of our flesh, so we may be presented 
unto Thee with [a] pure and clean heai-ts, by the Same, Thy 
Son Jesus Christ our Lord, 

[Presentation. 

Lord God, Who seest that we put not our ti*ust in any 
thing that we do ; mercifully gi-ant that by Thy power we may 
be defended against all adversity, thi'ough Jesus Christ oui' 
Lord. 

[Sexagesima Sunday. 

Almighty and everlasting God, Who hatest nothing that 
Thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all those who are 
penitent ; create and make in us new and contiite hearts, that 
we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging oiir wi'etched- 
ness, may obtain of Thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remis- 
sion and forgiveness, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

[Ash-Wednesday. 



COLLECTS. 



135 



Gea>"T, Lord, tiiat as we are baptized into the death of Thy 
Blessed Son our Savioui' Jesus Christ, so by continual mortify- 
ing our corrupt affections, we maybe bmied Trith Him; and 
that through the gi-ave and gate of death we may pass to our 
jovful resurrection, for His merits, Who died and was bmied, 
and rose again for us. Thy Son Jesus Christ oui' Lord. 

[Easter-Even. 

AL:inGHTY God, Whctthi'ough Thine only-begotten Son Jesus 
Christ hast overcome death and opened unto us the gate of 
everlasting hfe; we humbly beseech Thee, that as, by Thy 
special grace preventing us, Thou dost put into our minds good 
desu'es ; so by Thy continual help 2ve may bring the same to 
good effect, thi*ough Jesus Christ our Lord, Who hveth and 
reigneth with Thee, and the Holt Ghost, ever one God, world 
without end. 

[Easter-Day. 

Almighty God, Who alone canst order the um-uly wills 
and affections of sinful men ; grant unto Thi/ people, that fhei/ 
may love the thing which Thou commandest, and desii-e that 
which Thou dost promise ; that so, among the sundry and mani- 
fold changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed, 
where ti'ue joys are to be found, through Jesus Christ our 
Lord. 

[Fonrth Sunday after Easter. 

God, mo didst teach the hearts of Thy faithful peo- 
ple, by sending to them the Hght of Thy Holy Spirit ; grant 
lis by the same Spirit to have a right judgment in all tilings, 
and evermore to rejoice in His holy comfort, through the merits 
of Jesus Christ oui' Savioui', Who hveth and reigneth with 
Thee, in the unity of the same Spirit, one God, world without 
end. 

[Whit-Sunday. 



136 



COLLECTS. 



Lord of all power and might, Who art the Author and Giver 
of all good things, graft in our hearts the love of Thy ISTame, in- 
crease in us true religion, nourish us with all goodness, and of 
Thy great mercy keep us in the same, through Jesus Christ 
our Lord. 

[Seventh Sunday at'ter Trinity. 

Lord, we pray Thee, that Thy grace may always prevent and 
follow us ; and make us continually to be given to all good 
works, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

[Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity. 

O Almighty God, Who hast built Thy Church upon the 
foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ Himself 
bein^ the head corner-stone ; grant us so to be joined together 
in unity of spirit by their doctrine, that we .may be made an 
holy temple acceptable unto Thee, thi*ough Jesus Christ our 
Lord. 

[SB. Simon and Jude, Apostles. 

O Almighty God, Who hast knit together Thine elect in one 
communion and fellowship, in the mystical body of Thy Son, 
Christ our Lord ; grant us grace so to follow Thy blessed 
Saints in all virtue and all godHness of living, that we may 
come to those unspeakable joys, which Thou hast prepared for 
those who unfeignedly love Thee, through Jesus Christ our 
Lord. 

[All Saints' Day. 

"The Lord bless us and keep us : The Lord make His face 
to shine upon us, and be gracious unto us : The Lord lift up 
His countenance upon us, and give us peace, both now and ever- 
more. AmenP 



THE END. 



f k s 

SUITABLE TO BE STUDIED OE EEAD IX COXXECTION 
WITH THE SFOXSOF.'S JfAXUAZr 



DAILY STEPS TO"WARDS HEAVEX: 

or, Fractical Thoughts on the Gosutl Hhtorp. and espe- 
ciallv on The Life and Teachi>'gs of Our Lord Jesus 
Ckrist./o/' every day in the year, aecordira to the Christian 
Seasons^ icith Titles and Char act -rs of Christ, and a IL\r- 
MOXT OF The Foltl Gospels. -156 pp. 32mo. 

BISHOP PATPJCIvS BOOK FOR BEOiyXERS ; 

a Help to Young Communicants, that they may be fitted 
for the Holy Communion, and receive it Avith profit. 
108 pp. ISmo. 

THE SACRAMEXT OF RESPONSIBILITY; 

or, Testimony of Scripture to the Teaching of the Church 
on Holy Baptism, with esp^cia' reference to the case of In- 
fants, and ansirers to ohjections. 65 pp. 12mo. 

HELEX MORTOX"S TRIAL. 

By :vIp,s. Alice B. Xe.il. 192 pp. 16mo, 

WATCH AXD PRAY. 

A Sequel to Helen Morton's Tried. By :Mrs. Alice B. 
Xeal. 248 pp. 16mo. 

MY MOTHER'S JEWEL ; 

or. Happy in Lfe, Hapjpy in Death. By Jane E. Ea^ies. 
222 pp. 16mo. 

FRAXCIS LUCAS: 

or, Thy Vows are upjon Me. 132 pp. 18mo. 



Published by the G-eneral Protestant Episcopal S. S. UnioiL 



VALUABLE PUBLICATIONS OF " THE UNION." 




" The plan of this work is to bring before the mind of the 
reader, every day, some one docti'ine of our holy religion in 
connection ^vith "some fact or event in the life of our Blessed 
Lord. Each page contains a direction to some passage of Holy 
Scripture to be read ; three short texts follow, fj-equently taken 
from the passage to be read ; each of these is followed by a 
brief meditation, tending to lead the mind to self-examination ; 
at the bottom is some striking text. At the foot of many of the 
pages there are brief notes, referring to other parts of the book, 
or giving other desirable informatioa Provision is thus made 
for four hundred and four days ; that being the number of pos- 
sible days in the Church's view of the year. * * -H- -Jf -H- 
The completeness of the provision thus made is unusual, and 
we mention it because we observe in every thing the same 
character in this httle book. Its distinguishing featui'e is co?7i- 
loleteiiess. The meditations, so far as we have examined them, 
2.re pious, sound, and free from any tendency to extreme doc- 
trine in any direction. Tliere ai-e few books which we think 
more likely'^ to be useful than this." 

[The True Catholic. 



""We have not seen for a long time a book that we can more 
confidently recommend as well worthy of a place in eveiy 
Christian family. It is pre-eminently a Scriptural book. It is 
designed for the promotion of practical Christianity — the in- 
crease of true rehgion in the heart, and the manifestation of a 
real righteousness in life. It is a most safe and profitable vade 
ynecum for the Christian, and we wish every member of the 
Church might be supphed with a copy. This is the kind of 
reading which the Chi'istians of this age need. AYe want less 
of religious fictions, and more of Scriptural instruction." 

[The Christian Witness, 

(3) 



VALUABLE PUBLICATIONS OF '''THE UNION." 



''Daily Steps towards Heaven is an elegant manual of 
practical thoughts on the Gospel history, and the Life and 
Teaching of om- Saviour, arranged for every day in the year, 
according to the seasons of the ChurcL It presents a series of 
rehgious exercises intimately connected with the very words 
and actions of om- Lord, and affording important aids to devout 
reflection and meditation." 

[The Protestant Churchman, 



" "We have seen nothing which appears so admii'able ; and the 
fact that it has already reached a third edition in England is a 
strong indorsement We ask attention to it with those who 
would commune with their own hearts, and with the Father of 
their spirits." 

[The Church Review, 



« This is a very admirable volume, and one calculated to be 
peculiarly acceptable to the devout Christian. In depth and 
spirituality of tone, in fervor of devotion, in soundness and 
clearness of doctrine, in vigor of thought and expression, and in 
a most happy and harmonious presentation of truth, ' according 
to the proportion of faith,' it is unsurpassed if equalled by any 
work of the present day, and reminds one very forcibly of the 
tmies of our Andiwes and Kens and Wilsons and such like 
worthies. The year of the Church is followed in the arrange- 
ment of the volume, and day by day, and step by step, through 
every season the faithful worshipper is helped onward to med- 
itation on God's goodness and mercy, the Saviour's sacrifice, 
merits and intercessions, and the Holy Spirit's manifold gifts 
and graces. We cannot wish our readers to be more profitably 
occupied than in the daily use of these ' Steps towards Heaven; 
for God's Holy Word is the constant theme of meditation and 
of holy resolves, and the wonders of redeeming grace are the 
sum and substance of each day's lessons and incitements and 
hopes. * * The ' Characters and Titles of Christ,' the 
tables suggesting 'Thoughts for Special Occasions,' and the 
excellent ' Harmony of the Gospels,' are very valuable append- 
ages to the book, and will commend it the more to the devout 
worshipper." 

[The Churchman* 

(4) 



VALUABLE PUBLICATIONS OF " THE UNION." 



Clje ^acraineut of ^^spitsibilitii. 



" This is a most valuable and important pamphlet. In the 
space of 65 pages, it comprises the pith and substance of the 
whole Baptismal controversv, brought, by the use of plain and 
perspicuous language, within the comprehension of every one. 
"We know no work, the chculation of which we should more 
unreservedly recommend. We need say no more, except that 
it is remarkably free from those expressions which sometimes 
startle persons who discover in them some extreme of doctrine 
which the wi'iter, perhaps, never meant to teacL" 

[The Church Times. 



" "We ai'e happy to announce this fii-st and beautiful American 
edition of a Tract which in England has rapidly passed through 
six or seven. In both countries, om* wisest and soundest Divines 
have pronounced it decidedly the best treatise on the subject 
that has appeai'ed for many years." 

\BoM7ur of the Cross. 



" An Enghsh pamphlet, republished by Mi*. Dana, of New 
York, which, within a veiy moderate compass, includes one of 
the ablest, most practical and sound views of the Baptismal 
question which has fallen under our observation." 

[The True Catholic. 

(5) 



VALUABLE PUBLICATIONS OF " THE UXION. 



g^Utt Norton's CriaL 

BY COUSIN ALICE. 



" We leam, from the ' Short Letter of Introduction.' that the 
full name of ' Cousin Alice' is Ahce B. Xeal. It is one which 

mil not soon be forgotten, for we hope that the beautiful tale 
■which she has produced may be only the first of a long series. 
We can assui'e those who are interested in the welfare of chil- 
di'ea and looking round for • Christmas presents.* that they will 
not readily find one which a Christian fiiend or parent ought to 
prefer to ' Helen Morton's Trial.' 

[The True Catholic. 



It is a tale of exquisite sentiment and pathos, replete with 
sound religious instruction, and wi'itten in a trae Chm'ch spirit. 
The authoress is Mrs. Joseph C. Xeal, and we trust that this is 
but the beginning of goodly things h'om her pen for the httle 
ones of Chiist's flock. Such works will always be most wel- 
come." 

[The Churchnan. 



"We have received from the Depositoiy of the General 
Protestant Episcopal Sunday School Union, two beautiful vol- 
umes with the following titles: — Helen Mortons TrioL The 
Revellers, The Midnight Sea, and the Wanderer. The first is a 
sweet, interesting story, full of wisdom for the young ; and the 
second contains three allegories, which possess a charm and sim- 
plicity not very often or easily attained in that difficult class of 
composition. The handsome binding, gilt edges, and nice plates 
of these httle works, make the setting quite worthy of such 
gems of juvenile narratives." 

[The Protestant Churchnaiu 
(6) 



VALUABLE PUBLICATIONS OF " THE UlSION." 



MKtt\ ait^r f rag. 

A SEQUEL TO '^HELE:N" MORTO^^'S TRIAL." 
BY COUSIN ALICE. 



" This little volume is introduced by an ' Introduction' from 
the pen of the Bishop of Rhode Island, giving just and high 
commendation of the work ; in eveiy word of which ve heartily 
concm-. It is a book vhich ve deshe to see widely circulated, 
for it is full of sound principles, and wi-itten with much skill, so 
as to be at once in a veiy high degree pleasing to those for 
whom it is designed;' " ^ [The True Catholic. 

" This work, which is waimly recommended by Bishop Hen- 
shaw, is both wiitten and published with great beauty. It is a 
gem of a book." [The Church Review. 

" It is exquisitely printed, embeUished and bound." 

[Fhiladelphia Paper. 

" Watch and Pray contains some exquisite passages, full of 
feeling and description, and yet easy to be understood, even by 
a child, and to animate it to the pm'suit of better things to 
come." [Christian Intelligencer. 

" This book is wi-itten in the very happiest manner of the 
author, and is full of tenderness, pathos and beauty." 

[Southern Literary Gazette. 

" Cousin Ahce is the pseudonym of Mrs. Alice B. Xeal, who 
has evinced a rare faculty for writing tales adapted to the ca- 
pa<!Tties of chiLdi-en. In tliis department of literature, the most 
difficult, perhaps, that .has been attempted, she promises to rival 
the Edgewoiidis, the Sherwoods, and the Howitts. The present 
tale is strictly religious in its tendency, and yet we shall be 
much mistaken if the 'children of the Church' alone find it 
iateresting.'' [Hartford Times. 

a) 



VALUABLE PUBLICATIONS OF " THE UNION." 



LOOKING FOR THE CHURCH. 

BY ONE OF THREE HUNDRED. 



" This is a veiy curious and interesting work It shows the 
workings of an earnest and pious mind, discovering by degrees 
the effects, not so much of Presbyterianism, as of that system of 
popular rehgion, miscalled Evangelical and Spiritual, which is 
eating out the heait, as well of Presbyterianism as of all other 
sects in the land ; a religion, the ' downward tendencies' of which 
conduct directly to infidehty, thi'ough the gradations of various 
heresies." [Trm Catholic. 



" It is -^n-itten in a clear and vigorous style, and affords evi- 
dence that its author is a man of no ordinary abihty. It gives 
the author's experience, as its title implies, while looking for 
something, which, hke hundreds of others, he was conscious that 
he did not have. There may be, on the part of the wi-iter, a 
tendency which has become common, and may be considered, 
perhaps, natural, to go to the opposite extreme, after having 
been so long locked up in the iron arms of Calvinism. Most of 
those who enter the Church fi'om other denominations, seem to 
come with a reacting impulse, which sends them to the highest 
point of wliat may be termed sound Church views. It is not, 
however, invariably so. 

" The book before us is valuable, as affording an insight into 
the workings of the Presbyterian system. It will, we have no 
doubt, prove interesting to all, and profitable to many, who will 
read it" \_ChTistian Witness. 



" The sheets of this long-expected work are now before us, 
complete ; and we ai'e happy to assure our readers that, at last, 
it will be issued from the Press of the Sunday School Union by 
the 10th inst. The extraorchnary delay which has occurred in 
its appearance, has been owing to the long illness, and at length 
the death of its fervid and devoted author ; of whom a brief and 
appropriate memorial, by a friendly hand, is prefixed to the 
forthcoming volume. Of the value of the work itself we need 

(8) 



VALUABLE PUBLICATIONS OF " THE UNIOiT." 



not speak at large. The First Part, published some two or 
three years ago, made its mark ; and the Second Part, while it 
adds more than double to the fullness and richness of the whole, 
abates nothing from the interest or force of argument. IS'or is 
there any flagging in that rapid, earnest, glowing style with 
which the author pours out the whole river of his thoughts, 
feelings, self-conflicts, convictions, and final trimnphs ; nor any 
flinching in carr}dng out to the full those clear and irrefragable 
conclusions, from which no serious, intelligent, and unbiased 
mind can escape. Page after page rolls freely on, as if the 
author were himself -talking to the reader ; as if his very voice 
could be heard, rising and falling with the interwoven tissue of 
argument, illustration, warning, entreaty, and tender considera- 
tion for ignorance and prejudices. At one time, he marches 
straight at the adversary, meets him face to face, gives him 
choice of his own weapons, and of time, place and circumstance : 
then fights him a pitched battle, unmasking all his specious 
defences, striking home at once, and following up with blow on 
blow redoubled, until the enemy is not only defeated but anni- 
hilated. At another, he gently binds him about with cords that 
seem slender and weak at the first, but one after another they 
follow, growing thicker and more numerous, they wind around 
and around, until the opponent finds himself at length, and 
almost imperceptibly, bound hand and foot, and compelled to 
em-render at discretion. JSTot in vain has the gifted author suf- 
fered for years in the struggle, through which he has retm-ned 
unto the Chm'ch from which his ancestors, in an evil day, went 
out. If his own heart had not been so deeply wrung, he would 
never have known how to reach so surely the hearts of those 
who, though now what he was once, are yet alarmed by the 
downward tendency of every thing around them, and are begin- 
ning to search for ' a m^ore excellent way.' The learned and 
accurate theologian might prefer a treatise more condensed and 
more technical ; but for the many, we a.re satisfied that this is 
by far the best work on the controversy with Presbyterians 
(including questions fundamental to all Protestant sects) that 
has ever yet been wi'itten. It will be read by thousands and 
tens of thousands, to whom other books on the same subject 
would seem too dry to be either read or inwardly digested. 
The First Part, incomplete as it was, has brought numbers into 
the Church. Kow that the whole is out, we shall find our 
harvest but begun. The work, as a popular argument for the 
Church, cannot be fairly answered ; nor do we believe that an 
answer will be attempted." [The Church JouvTud, 

(9) 



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